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Semi-Weekly. By Subscription, per Year, Ten Dollars. March 26, 1892. 

Entered at the New York Post-Office as second-class matter. 


le Wizard of Granada. 


BY 


M. T. CALDOR. 


^be HMe Ibour Series. 



THE WIZARD OF GRAMDA, 


A NOVEL. 


*/ 

By M. T. CALDOR, 

>} 

Author of « The Forcellini Rubies f ** The Island Prisoner f 
** Olympiad Hesperia f Etc, 




New York: 

THE F. M. LUPTON PUBLISHING COMPANY, 
No, 65 Duane Street, 


COPYRIGHT, 1892, By 

THE F. M. LUPTON PUBLISHING COMPANY,. 




THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 


CHAPTER I. 

^^Holy Mary, defend us, Alana ! There is sound of 
combat yonder in the woods, and, by the tumult, we might 
guess there were a score of men-at-arms. It becomes us to 
be wary, for I trow our errand is a perilous one enow to 
warrant cautiousness. Let us pause, and judge what the 
quarrel is about, before venturing nearer.” 

So saying, the gallant Spanish knight checke(^ his horse, 
and held up a warning hand to enforce the silence of his 
attendant. 

They were just emerging from a lonesome highway bor- 
dered with groves of oak and chestnut trees, and before 
them lay a sunny valley, a-sparkle with the dimpling smile 
of a narrow river, and lovely with undulating meadows of 
emerald hue, while against the horizon rose the noble sum- 
mits, darkly green, whicj^ belted the Granadan territory 
from that which acknowledged allegiance to Spanish rule. 

From a little grove of chestnuts, mingled here and there 
with a stately cork tree, came sounds of skirmishing, clash- 
ing blades, fierce voices and plunging steeds. 

With eyes glinting fiery longing to be in the midst of the 
affray, and stately head bent one side in eager intentness of 
listening. Sir Ildefonse waited, curbing with one steel- 
banded hand the excitement of the splendid black horse he 
rode with the ease and grace of a centaur, and checking, 
also, with an authoritative wave of the other, the wild impa- 
tience of his well-tried squire, who could never be content 
in sound of battle without an active part therein. 

Suddenly, above the ringing steel and hoarse voices, rose 
clear and light a woman’s scream. 


( 3 ) 


4 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA, 


St. Jago ! ” cried out Sir Ildefonse, in an indignant 
voice, ^^a true knight can no longer skulk here in tame- 
ness. Ho, Alana, follow me ! St. Jago to the rescue ! ” 

He shouted out the cry of attack in a clear, ringing 
voice, and gave way to the fiery impetuosity of both steed 
and squire — leading the way at a fierce gallop, with his 
long blade flashing a stream of scintillating splendor, as he 
waved it around his head. 

The trampled earth showed him the entrance into the 
woods, and while Alana behind him took up the cry in 
deeper tones, forward into the midst of struggling band of 
bandits and Moorish soldiery rushed the young knight — 
his long plume dancing in the wind, his eyes flashing as 
fierce light as his sword, his noble horse pawing the ground 
as fierce and ardent as his master. 

Rider and steed seemed to drop from the clouds, bearing 
a regal heroism that started the skirmishers into a moment’s 
astonished pause. 

St. Jago to the rescue ! ” shouted Sir Ildefonse, spur- 
ring forward. 

The squire followed close behind, echoing the cry. 

The bandits, some twenty in number, evidently believed 
that this splendid young knight was the leader of a whole 
troop. They shouted a few hoarse directions to each 
other, shook off the grasp of the Moors, and gathering 
together in disorder, beat a hasty retreat. Scarcely ten 
minutes after the appearance of Sir Ildefonse, and the wood 
was quiet save for the groans of the wounded men lying on 
the ground, and the low, earnest conversation of the others. 

Sir Ildefonse had struck but a single blow, that which 
had sent a black-faced ruffian spinning away from the side 
of a slender figure robed in black, with a long veil flung 
over the head. 

It was a woman certainly, but whether young or old 
there was no means of judging. Her snow-white palfrey 
was lying prostrate, with glazing eye and bleeding breast, 
and she had been held fiercely by one of the bandits, who 
had attempted to bind her wrists with her own silken scarf. 
She was trembling violently, yet, with a certain haughty 
stateliness, still held her head erect, and restrained her 
limbs from giving away to weakness. 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA, $ 

Sir Ildefonse perceived the knotted scarf, and severed the 
silken strands with his sword, while he said : 

‘‘ Would that the caitiff who dared such a dastardly act 
were still within reach of my good sword. \nd yet I trow 
his arm will long carry a mark by which to remember the 
metal of my blade.” 

How can we thank you enough for your heroic rescue,” 
came in sweet though tremulous accents from behind the 
veil; ^^my poor guard was speedily vanquished by thrice 
their number of fierce and lawless desperadoes. They 
would have made me their captive, but that you appeared. 
I would fain essay my words of thankfulness, but my heart 
is yet too full for speech. Give me a few moments for 
composure, that I may learn also the extent of our injuries. 
Ho, Dalphion, Gefla, how many are there left safe, and un- 
wounded? And find, I beseech you, my friend and 3^our 
leader. Woe indeed will befall us, if he is killed.” 

There was a dignity in the voice, as of one used to au- 
thority, and it was wonderfully sweet. Sir Ildefonse per- 
ceived, too, how daintily formed and delicate were the 
hands he had released from the bonds of the scarf, and it 
was of more import to him that it suggested the vexatious 
veil concealed features youthful and lovely, than that the 
costly bracelet and diamond rings proved her of high estate 
and rank. 

‘^Let me lead you to a seat,” said he, in the gallant, 
courtly manner which had made him as famous in lady’s 
bower as on the battlefield. You have born nobly the 
great shock of a scene like this ; come, I pray you, out of 
sight of these ghastly wounds, this bloody scene, so un- 
meet for such gentle eyes. ’ ’ 

While he spoke he turned away toward a little clump of 
trees on the other side where the fairies seemed to have 
impoverished a sylvan throne. For a fallen tree had been 
canopied with festooning vine, and cushioned with softest 
moss, and a glittering quartz rock made at once back and 
footstool. 

Sir Ildefonse seated the unknown lady, bowed deferen- 
tially, and went back to look after her servants. 

Alana, his own squire, was busily at work tending the 
wounded. They had indeed arrived in good season. Of 


6 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 


the ten attendants of the lady only three were able to help 
themselves, and four were killed outright. They were too 
bewildered with terror to be able to act calmly or be of 
service. 

Here’s one,” said Alana, beckoning to his master, and 
speaking in a cautious whisper, “ Here’s one who seems 
to be of better condition than the others ; and there’s a 
frame for a soldier, and a head with a forehead too broad 
to belong to one of these infidel dogs, who haven’t sense 
enough to fight like men.” 

Hush, Alana ! Remember the counsel I gave you, and 
the danger we risk, if we hint our contempt for their re- 
ligion. Our errand is too important to be risked lightly ; 
remember we are venturing boldly into the stronghold of 
the Moors ; and what could the poor fellows do, surprised by 
thrice their number? Have 'a care, lift his head carefully ; 
it is in truth a broad forehead, and these are noble and dig- 
nified features. There is no wound. Ah, I see. The 
blow was on the head ; that thick velvet turban saved the 
skull. He is stunned, not dead. Bring some water to pour 
over the head, and the flask of wine from my saddle. 
Step nimbly, Alana, we may have him back sound and 
well.” 

The squire obeyed with ready alacrity, and Sir Ildefonse, 
kneeling down, began chafing the long, slender, delicate 
fingers. When Alana returned, Dalphion, one of the Moor- 
ish soldiery, accompanied him. The latter uttered an ex- 
clamation of joy as he perceived the broad chest of the 
prostrate man heaving with gentle and regular breathing. 

^^Basilio safe; the princess unharmed. Now may we 
show ourselves at the Alhambra, without fear of the bow- 
string, Allah be praised! ” ejaculated he. 

Sir Ildefonse had lost no word of his, although he ap- 
peared entirely absorbed by his humane task. He took the 
flask from his servant, moistened the pale lips, and sprinkled 
the water freely over the ghastly face, while he laid his 
handkerchief, drenched with the cool water, on the gray 
head . 

Their earnest efforts were rewarded by the abrupt unclosing 
of the lids, and the swift interrogating glance of a pair of 
keen, piercing eyes, of a clear hazel hue. 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. ^ 

From Dalphion the eyes returned again to the handsome 
face of the youthful knight. 

A frown knit the broad forehead, and an angry glow, 
burning out of the eye, kindled his countenance into in- 
stant light. 

^^How now, knave ! ” cried he, striving ineffectually to 
rise. Do you stand dallying with me, while the princess 
has been carried off? ” 

The lady is safe,’’ exclaimed Sir Ildefonse, seeing that 
Dalphion’s servile fear of his leader’s anger kept him mute. 

Safe ! where? how? Even her safety may be worse 
than capture. Who are you. Sir Knight? you wear the 
Spanish dress. What brings you hither upon the territory 
of the sovereign of Granada? It can be no peaceable 
errand.” 

By my good sword, which has never been drawn in a 
dishonorable cause, I pledge you my word I came not with 
hostile intention. A wayward, adventurous fancy, a keen 
curiosity to behold the wonders of Granada, must plead my 
excuse. But let us save that for another hour’s discussion. 
Take another drop of wine, I pray you \ it will give you 
the strength you need.” 

Those keen, deep, piercing eyes had never left his face 
while he spoke. The wine was meekly accepted. In a 
few moments he was able to rise from his recumbent posi- 
tion. 

We were beaten, I suppose,*’ said he, addressing him- 
self to Sir Ildefonse. 

The latter smiled. 

‘‘You will not find one of the knaves in the wood, sav- 
ing those that are slain; they fled in ignominious haste.” 

“ From whom? not from our Moslem guard, for I knew 
we were overpowered when I fell.” 

“Our coming gave the catiffs a wholesome fright,” re- 
plied the knight carelessly. 

“ How many were you ? ” was asked abruptly. 

“ Myself and my trusty squire. It was enough.” 

A dull red burnt a moment in the still pallid face. He 
smothered an angry imprecation. 

^‘Cowardly dogs!” muttered he between his teeth. 


8 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA, 


had I only half a dozen trusty fellows, this need not have 
happened. But the lady is safe ? ” 

am safe, Basilio ; thanks to this gallant knight, but 
for whom I should now be in the hands of those lawless 
wretches,” said a sweet, clear voice, as the veiled lady 
came forward through the shrubbery. 

She had recovered her composure, and spoke calmly, 
and moved with quiet dignity. 

Now indeed I am ready to forget my rage at this dis- 
aster ! ” exclaimed Basilio, bowing to her with the most 
profound reverence. It is my own fault that I trusted so 
entirely to the communication of that catiff, Mauhoud, 
who said the country about here was free from prowling 
marauders. By the beard of the Prophet, that shall be as 
truthful a saying as any in the Koran, ere many days have 
passed. Ismael will send hither as many of his soldiers as 
there are stones on this ignominious spot, when he learns 
of this audacious assault.” 

You tell him?” asked the veiled lady, a faint accent 
of surprise in her voice. 

A shade passed across Basilio’s face. He knit his fore- 
head, gnawed impatiently at his still pale lip, and then 
looked down upon the ground in gloomy abstraction. 

‘‘Dalphion,” said the cold sweet voice again, thou 
art of little service here, and thy wounded comrades need 
thee. Moreover, it seems to me the part of wisdom to 
hasten from this lonely spot. The bandit may return 
with reinforcements, and the poor fellows yonder need a 
leech’s care. Go prepare at once for speedy departure. 

The Moor had been gaping with keen interest into the 
perplexed face of Basilio. His swarthy cheek reddened 
beneath her gentle rebuke, and making a deep bow, as if 
to a personage of great importance, first toward the lady 
and then in the direction of Basilio, he turned away, 
parted the thick^boughs of the underbrush and vanished. 

The lady moved a step nearer and laid her hand on Ba- 
silio’s shoulder. 

^^My friend,” said she, ‘‘we will return to Granada. 
Our journey in this direction is ended.” 

Basilio looked up with a quick, impatient gesture.” 

Anti relinquish our high hopes^ our momentous under- 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA, 9 

taking — it is not like you, Xina,’’ he said, in a reproachful 
tone. 

^ ^ Our quest will be helped in no way, though we con- 
tinue on for leagues,” returned she calmly. ‘‘When you 
have recovered strength, Basilio, your quick sagacity will 
divine my reasons.” 

Basilio looked up eagerly, and made a quick vehement 
movement as if to lift the veil, and read an explanation in 
her face where her words puzzled him ; but the remem- 
brance of the Spanish knight seemed suddenly to occur 
to him, for he checked himself, glanced uneasily toward 
Sir Ildefonse, and relapsed into silence. 

The knight colored and was turning hastily away, when 
the lady spoke again in the sanie calm, even tones. 

“ Nay, let us not waste the precious moments in idle 
consultation, when action is required instead. Once safely 
away from this dreary place, on a highway protected by 
our own soldiers, and we may return to our discussion. 
Art thou able to ride, Basilio ? So many of our poor fol- 
lowers will never mount a steed, we shall not lack means 
of transportation, though my own poor Silver Mane, and 
thy Rosalio are both useless. We will ask this noble 
knight’s company until we reach the town, and Allah send 
it may lie in our power to make some feeble return for bis 
generous and timely service.” 

Basilio looked again uneasily into her face, and then 
smiled. 

“I think we have changed characters, my princess. But 
late you would trust no judgment but mine, and now it is 
you who lead and guide.” 

“A woman’s wit is sometimes of more service than a 
man’s wisdom or strength, Basilio,” answered she. “ What 
sayest thou, noble knight ? was thy face set toward Grenada, 
or the Spanish dominions, and if the former, wilt thou still 
give us thy protecting presence ? ” 

“Indeed, noble lady, you honor me by accepting my 
poor services. It was indeed my ardent desire to visit 
Granada ; I have heard so much of its beauty and wealth, 
I could not rest without feasting my eyes upon its famous 
scenes.” 

“And dost thou think to journey thither in safety, in 


10 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 


that Spanish dress, with thy single squire? ” demanded Ba- 
silio. 

^‘And wherefore not?” replied Sir Ildefonse. I 
come with no hostile meaning, and I have my good 
sword.” 

I would that the royal Ismael heard that speech,” said 
Basilio, in a tone of involuntary admiration. It is a high 
compliment to the Moorish race, that you think them so 
noble and generous. Let it be then as the lady has said ; 
you shall journey in our company.” 

And we will be very grateful for the boon,” said the 
sweet, low voice of the veiled lady. 

Sir Ildefonse bowed again, and went away toward the 
open spot where the wounded and the horses were gath- 
ered together. 

Basilio,” said she, thine eyes are blind. Grieve not 
to abandon this secret expedition. Seest thou not that we 
need not go further in search, because the object of our 
quest has come to us.” 

The man started violently. 

‘Mt is even so, Basilio, it is he ! ” 

Basilio rose to his feet white and wrathful, and shook his 
clenched fist in the direction in which the knight had van- 
ished. 

And this is his peaceful journey to gratify innocent 
curiosity,” said he hoarsely. May Allah blast ” 

^‘Silence, Basilio!” interrupted the lady hastily, he 
has saved your life and mine. My own anger toward him 
has cooled ; let us wait to be sure that we have not been 
purposely deceived. If ever my eyes looked upon a true 
and honest face, it is his, and you yourself cannot hinder 
the admiration his chivalrous bearing and noble courage 
awaken.” 

You, Princess Xina, espousing the cause of this man — 
you whoso jealously organized this expedition 1 ” exclaimed 
Basilio, in a reproachful voice. 

She was silent for a few moments, and then spoke hastily, 
with a slight quiver in the tone — 

Basilio, you yourself have taught me to listen to the 
conviction of a pure heart. You have often said I had a 
mysterious spell to detect the evil or the good of any nature 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 


11 


with which I came in contact. It is not alone that he has 
saved my life, it is because the strange voice within the 
depths of my soul speaks boldly, and declares him a true 
and noble knight. See how fearless and courageous is his 
bearing ! how calm and unblenching his eye. Basilio, this 
is an honest man. He is no Spanish spy sent out for staie 
purposes.” 

Xina,” said Basilio suddenly, <‘has this man seen your 
face?” 

She shook her head with a proud, imperial gesture of the 
hand. 

Basilio looked down again in deep thought, and did not 
speak until Dalphion’s voice was heard announcing their 
readiness for departure. Then he said, gravely. 

Let us go, Xina.” 

‘ ^ Are you angry with me, Basilio ? ’ ’ asked she without 
moving. 

My child, my child, do I not love you too well for an- 
ger? ” returned he with passionate pathos. 

She held out her hand to him silently, then passed be- 
fore him. 

‘Ms it fate that has made this strange chance ?” mut- 
tered Basilio, as he followed ; “or it is worse, nature it- 
self speaking plainly? Allah forbid the perplexities I, 
fear. ’ ’ 


CHAPTER II. 

The little cavalcade made a rather forlorn appearance as 
it wound away from the chestnut grove out into the valley, 
with its slow pacing animals, and its wounded carefully 
supported on their beasts by their uninjured comrades. 

Sir Ildefonse and his squire rode quietly behind Basilio 
and the lady, and the former made no further attempt at 
conversation, except that after the first mile he noticed that 
the lady’s form was drooping, and spurring forward he said 
in a deferential tone : 

“The gait of that beast is too hard for you. Take, I 
beseech you, this good steed of mine. Fiery as he seems. 


12 THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 

he can tame his steps to be gentle enough for the rocking 
of a child. Alana shall ride beside you, to ease your 
fears. ’ ' 

* ‘ Nay, I have no fears. I accept the offer in the same 
spirit in which it is made. I doubt, indeed, if I could bear 
this motion to the end of the journey. Poor Silver Mane’s 
steps were easy as the sailing of a boat. At the nearest 
town we will find a litter. Thanks for your kindness.” 

The exchange of saddles was speedily made, and when 
Basilio had roused from his abstraction enough to assist her 
to its seat, Ildefonse fell back, leaving her to choose her 
attendant. 

She checked the horse as he came up. How Sir Ildefonse 
longed to draw aside the tantalizing veil, and look freely 
upon that hidden face. 

Shall I see you again when I reach Granada? ” asked 
he abruptly. 

She shook her head. 

You must ask no questions concerning me. You will 
soon learn in the city that a discreet tongue is the surest 
promise of safety. Yet shall I not forget your good deed 
for us. When danger threatens, show this ring and demand 
that speech be given you with Prince Azim. He will know 
the ring and come to me for explanation, and you may rest 
assured no harm shall come to you.” 

Then, as if to adjust the trimmings of her saddle-cloth, 
she bent down, and hastily passed to him a loop of gold, 
aglitter with one solitary but superb diamond. 

Either side of the gem was engraved on the gold, a key, 
and beneath it the letter X in Arabic. 

The knight received it with a low bow. 

‘ ^ I value it more as a memento of your highness, than as 
a means of safety in future danger,” said he. ^‘1 will fol- 
low your advice, though I am somewhat reluctant. I would 
prefer to be open and candid with all men. If my inno- 
cence and good will, and my good sword avail naught, I 
cannot bear to stoop to dissembling, as a means of safety.” 

How now ? ” asked she in a cold, proud voice, dost 
thou mean to assume perfect openness in this matter ? Take 
care, Sir Knight ! there are eyes clearer to read than you 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 1 3 

surmise. Dare you declare your errand to Granada is 
solely to gratify and idle curiosity? ” 

Sir Ildefonse colored deeply. 

I spoke concerning public matters, when I said that I 
came not for a hostile purpose. ' If I have a personal er- 
rand, what is that to the Moorish rulers, or their officers ? 

‘^And will not the personal interest effect likewise the 
public weal? ’’ 

Sir Ildefonse lifted his clear, honest eyes to the veiled 
countenance. 

In truth, fairest Princess, your words are mysterious, 
and have no meaning for me. I am conscious of no evil 
intent, in any possible way to disturb or injure Moslem 
rule. I would scorn to play a spy’s part, even in the inter- 
est of my lawful soverign.” 

believe you,” said she presently. ‘Mf I did not I 
should submit you to the Cadi of the first town we enter. 
But speak of foreign sights — Basilio watches us.” 

cannot conceive why I should be an object of suspi- 
cion,” said Sir Ildefonse, a little indignantly. 

Noble minds do not know the subtle machinations of 
intrigue. You will be taught a little by this visit to Gran- 
ada, or my fears are needless,” answered she, I am 
tempted to bid you turn about and renounce the journey.” 

Forbear, I pray you. I should go, though I were cer- 
tain danger lurked at every corner.” 

You will remember the ring, and the name of Prince 
Azim.” 

Of a truth. And yet it seems needless. Can I not be 
safe, riding in your company ? ” 

We shall halt at the first town. It were best that you 
should mention this adventure to no one, at least in con- 
nection with my name.” 

Ah, but I am as ignorant of that as possible. One may 
guess you are a personage of high rank. I have heard 
them call you the Princess Xina ; but beyond that I know 
not, and I have not even seen your face.” 

There was a faint tone of reproach in his tone. 

^^It is better thus. Sir Knight. What matter for the 
face ? it is the soul, the heart, which is the true char- 
acter.” 


14 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA, 


* * But the face is index of the character ; the eye is the 
window of the soul,’^ persisted Sir Ildefonse. 

You wish to see my face,” said the lady uneasily. I 
doubt not, to one educated to mingle freely with female 
society our Moorish customs and jealous reserve seem alike 
selfish and ridiculous. Such a request might cost some fool- 
ish Mussulman his head — but to deny you, to whom I owe 
at once my life and safety seems churlish, even to me. And 
yet — and yet ” 

Her voice faltered ; it was evident she was extremely dis- 
tressed. 

I would you would ask any other boom of me. Basilio 
is angry already at this long conversation. I cannot raise 
my veil without attracting his notice, as well as that of the 
attendants. Why should you care to look upon these poor 
features? Let me give you, rather, this bracelet of linked 
gems, which are brilliant enough to win you the smiles of 
the fairest of your countrywomen.” 

She had raised the loose sleeve, and was unclasping the 
bracelet when the knight made a hasty gesture of refusal. 

Nay, nay,” said he, showing plainly how deeply his 
pride was wounded. Neither the friendship, nor the aid 
of Ildefonse are to be bought. I pray you take back this 
ring likewise. The diamond is costly, but it bears not half 
the value for my eyes that a single ringlet of your hair 
would possess. Let it pass, lady. Since it is your will, I 
will be content to know nothing concerning you beyond 
what your voice has told me. And that, indeed, is enough 
to convince me that you are young and beautiful and good, 
like the ideal image I have worshipped so long, but never 
saw in human shape before.” 

He fell back as he spoke, a little out of range with the- 
horse she rode, and turning his head aside, they rode on in 
silence many minutes. The lady was the first to speak. 

‘‘Sir Ildefonse,” said she gravely. 

“ Your highness commands my attention.” ' 

“Will you adjust this rein for me? it is caught on the 
gilded tassel yonder.” 

He guided his horse near enough to reach silken strand 
and disengaged it. 

“Sir Ildefonse,” spoke the Princess Xina, in a low, 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 


15 


tremulous tone, forgive my seeming lack of generosity. 
To comply with your request, here and now, might en- 
danger your life and compromise my good name. But you 
shall have your wish. Ten days from now cannot fail to 
find you in the city of Granada. On the morning of the 
eleventh day, while yet the morning sun shines on the 
great key carved on the Gate of Judgment at the south en- 
trance to the Alhambra, come thou thither, and thou shalt 
meet a slave, who shall bow thrice, and ask, ‘ Art thou 
he ? ’ ^ I am the bandit’s foe,’ must thou answer, and then 
the slave will lead thee on — follow fearlessly, and then there 
shalt thou meet the Princess Xina unveiled.” 

Many thanks, sweet Princess. Pardon my persistence ; 
but, indeed, it seemed to me I should miss the fairest sight 
in Granada,qf I returned to Spain and beheld thee not,” 
replied the knight in eager gratitude. 

^ ^ Hide what I have spoken in thine own breast, and be 
less frankly outspoken. Remember thou art now in the 
land of Moslem.” 

While she said these words, the lady guided her horse 
toward that of Basilio, who was riding alone in gloomy 
dignity. 

‘ ^ Basilio, are we almost there ? my nerves were less firm 
than I imagined ; I am well nigh exhausted.” 

Only a mile farther, and we shall reach the house of 
Ilbrahim. We will send for a litter then. My own head is 
whirling and spinning wildly, yet not so bewilderingly but I 
could wonder at the familiarity of the Princess Xina with 
this prying stranger, who comes from the land of the foe.” 

He has been beguiling the tediousness of the way by 
his pleasant descriptions of foreign lands. He seems little 
like what thou hast taught me of a Spanird. Basilio, 
wherefore art thou so churlish ? It is not like thea to with- 
hold deserved praise even from thine enemy, and this man 
has saved us from a great misfortune, and is knightly and 
courteous, with a fearless grace, wonderful to eyes accus- 
tomed to Moslem warriors.” 

^ ^ Didst thou not declare him to be the one we have been 
warned about ? ’ ’ 

‘‘ Truly, and yet I am sure he comes not with the vile, 


l6 THE WIZARD OF GRANADA, 

treacherous purpose imputed to him. And thou art more 
angry now than I; and before it was the reverse.’’ 

‘ ^ Aye, thou hast seen him now. It is this very interest 
of yours which disturbs me, Princess. You know all the 
madness _ of my infatuation. You guess how speedily it 
would bring him to the bowstring, and yourself.” 

I think I have been warned often enough, Basilio,” 
exclaimed she, hastily and petulantly. Do not be for- 
ever reminding me of my galling slavery.” 

The lonely road here took a sudden turn, and leaving be- 
hind it the woods and country, swept on around the base of 
a gentle rising hill, and showed at no great distance culti- 
vated fields, and the gilded spires of a mosque. A few 
paces further and they beheld the brown and variegated 
roofs of a small village. 

‘ ‘ Allah be praised ! ’ ’ ejaculated more than one of the 
weary procession, taking fresh courage at the sight. 

In less than an hour they had all dismounted and entered 
the house of Ilbrahim, who came out, followed by his long 
train of servants in gaping wonder at the sight. 

Xina sprang down from the knight’s horse, and walked 
hastily into the apartments of the Seraglio, and was seen no 
more by her late traveling companions. Comfortable 
quarters were provided for them all during the night. 
Basilio was evidently a person of consequence ; for an 
angry reproof from him checked at once the impertinent 
curiosity of the Moors, when they beheld the Spanish 
stranger. 

He was more gracious and benignant himself, now that 
the Princess was away, and offered to reward the Spaniard 
for his good services in their behalf the next morning. 

To which Ildefonse replied coldly, — 

There is no reward needed. I would have done the 
same for my bitterest enemy when so sorely pressed. Per- 
adventure thou mayest yet behold a Spaniard in distress. 
Then mayest thou pay whatever debt thou believest due. 
Yet, as thou likest, thou mayst give me safe conduct to 
Granada.” 

It shall be done. I journey thither at once. Have no 
fear, for thou shall be as safe as in thine own land.” 

should not fear^ though an armed band waited at 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. \'J 

every turn,” replied Sir Ildefonse, haughtily, '^neverthe- 
less, I like not to move amidst broils and contentions.” 

"Is the lady ready?” asked he presently, when the 
horses were again led into the courtyard ready for mounting. 

Basilio frowned. 

" The lady’s litter, well guarded, went on at break of 
day. It were not meet she traveled longer in our company,” 
answered he. 

" I trust she has recovered from her fright and fatigue. 
I judged she was a person of high rank,” observed the 
knight with a look of keen interest. 

" It were wise in you to forget there was a lady in the 
train. What is gallantry and politeness in Spain is inso- 
lence and impertinence in Granada, if it concerns a Moor- 
ish woman. Above all, the name of the Princess Xina is 
one to be most jealously guarded in Granada. You will 
never see or hear from her again, I repeat that it is wis- 
dom for you to forget her existence.” 

Once riding along the magnificent country, Basilio for- 
got his moroseness, and pointed out the beauties of land- 
scape and architecture lying in the way. He grew talkative, 
and showed a keen ready intellect, and a well-stocked mind. 

"You have spent much time at your studies,” said Sir 
Ildefonse, in astonishment. 

"Aye,” returned Basilio, "and more with my experi- 
ments.” 

"You are a philosopher f ” exclaimed the Spanish knight. 

"An alchemist, rather. You will hear another title 
when you reach Granada. They believe that I hold the 
powers of light and darkness at my beck — those stupid, 
superstitious Moors. I am Basilio, the Magician of Gran- 
ada.” 

" I have heard then of you. Even in Spain your name 
is spoken with awe.” 

Granada had never looked more like a city of enchant- 
ment than when the cavalcade of Basilio drew up in the 
roseate liglit of a glorious sunset, and made a temporary 
halt ; while from all sides echoed in joyful, rapturous 
tones, — 

" Allah il allah ! Praise to Mahomet 1 We behold our 
beautiful city again.” 

2 


i8 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 


They had crossed the luxuriously green Vega, and before 
them, more wonderful than any painted picture of the im- 
agination could ever be, bathed in that ineffable gold and 
crimson light, lay the crenated walls — the picturesque 
bridges and terraced gardens, domes, minarets and shining 
steeples, rising ever upward to the base of the great rock 
which upheld the far-famed Alhambra. Behind soared the 
summit of the mountain heights ; below flowed the lovely 
waters of the Darro and Xenil. 

This Christian knight caught his breath in a quiver of 
reverent delight, and instinctively doffed his plumed hat. 

Well, here we are at Granada,” said Basilio. Before 
we pass the gate I must vouch for your appearance. What 
shall I say is the object of a Spanish knight’s visit to Gran- 
ada, the stronghold of the Moorish kings?” 

Give me audience with your king, and I will spare you 
the task. I will make my own explanations,” answered Sir 
Ildefonse, a little haughtily. 

So be it. To the Alhambra at once. Ho, Akmet, go 
forward, and announce to the Grand Vizier that an illustri- 
ous knight desires audience with his majesty the king.” 

They passed through the great gateway, and between its 
file of soldiers, by means of some countersign given by Ba- 
silio, and went slowly along the streets, followed at first by 
a gathering crowd, who were watching the strange figure of 
the knight with curious interest. 

At the outer building of the Alhambra, Sir Ildefonse was 
led into a handsome suite of rooms, furnished with baths, 
and every convenience for removing the dust of travel. A 
pair of mute Ethiopians attended him, and brought like- 
wise a tray of refreshments. 

He had grown tired and weary of waiting before any 
summons came ; and then there was no sign of any of his 
companions on the journey, not even of his faithful Alana, 
who must have been ushered into another apartment, if in- 
deed he had left his horses, which he had seemed reluctant 
to relinquish into Moorish hands. 

So alone, and in silence. Sir Ildefonse followed his guide 
across the brilliantly lighted suites of rooms, each one seem- 
ing to unfold rarer magnificence as he proceeded. 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 


19 


CHAPTER III. 

The knight, used though he might be to simple fare and 
rude scenes, walked behind his guide in grave composure. 
His alert eye lost none of the magnificence around him, 
though it seemed so cool and calm. At every arched por- 
tal a new guide started up, made a noiseless obeisance and 
led on, the other falling into the statue like position of his 
predecessor. Sir Ildefonse noted that the color of their 
silken robes, and the hue of the gem which sparkled on 
each breast, changed with the suite of apartments, and 
when at length, after the magnificent Court of Lions, with 
its polished marble flooring, its wonderful arabesque and 
snowy pillars, its inimitable fountain flashing silvery cas- 
cades from the yawning jaws of carved lions, they came to 
a more intricately carved portal, where waited like a bronze 
statue, a powerful Moor, with his bared arms crossed over 
a white satin vestment starred with diamonds, the knight 
soliloquized — 

must be getting at the kernel of the nut, at last. 
From pearl to ruby, from ruby to emerald, and now dia- 
mond. There’s no getting beyond diamond, I fancy ; and 
by St. Jago ! it’s high time I were somewhere near this 
Moorish king. Do they think to overawe me by a sight of 
their wonderful Alhambra? I’ faith ! These eyes be sooner 
blinded by glinting steel in a skilful hand. Ah, here we 
are ! a royal sight by my true blade ! ’ ’ 

The white-robed Moor had clapped his hands, and at the 
signal, with a rich strain of music, the purple velvet cur- 
tains which fell before a large arched doorway were gath- 
ered aside. The Moor waved his long wand, mounted with 
its emblematic key, and motioned for the knight to enter. 
Sir Ildefonse stepped forward fearlessly, although the daz- 
zling sight which burst upon him could not have been other 
than a great surprise. 

' He was in the famous Hall of Ambassadors, and the liv- 


20 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 


ing tableau before him was more gorgeous than any picture. 
The richly wrought ceiling inlaid with mother of pearl, and 
gold and gems, the roof vaulted with exquisite grace, and 
rising sixty feet high to the top of the cupola ; the innum- 
erable' chandeliers, like fairy-strung crowns of diamond 
light, flickering, scintillating, gathering and flinging forth 
innumerable rainbows ; the garlanded pillars, a-bloom with 
the rich offerings of the regal flora of that genial climate. 
At another time all these must separately have claimed and 
charmed his eye. But now they were taken in dreamily, 
'ks the fit framework for the brilliant group in the centre of 
the room. 

For there on a golden throne set high on steps of polished 
marble of the most spotless white, was the Moorish king, 
and behind himy^'the light of the countless tapers playing 
over their drawn blades of trusty Damascus steel, was a 
guard of giant blacks, whose polished ebony limbs looked 
powerful enough to have strangled with ease the most fero- 
cious lions of their native jungle. 

The crown on the king’s head was ablaze with costly 
jewels, and the royal vestments were stiff with the same 
precious ornaments, and such a gleam of lustre poured from 
them when he stirred, unstrained eyes might well blench 
and fall. 

On either side the throne was a group of magnificent, 
though lesser constellations. The courtiers and tiobles of 
his suite all gorgeously arrayed, without doubt with the end 
to add to the imposing scene, and overawe the unsophisti- 
cated knight, who had ventured to the Moorish city. 

The attendant who had ushered him into this royal scene, 
was still prostrated upon the marble pavement in humble 
adoration, but taking another step forward. Sir Ildefonse 
doffed his cap and bowed calmly and gravely. 

Speak, son of Spain, bold wanderer into the realms of 
the Moor. Wherefore art thou here ? what is thy mission ? 
It is the voice of Ismael, the king of Granada, which bids 
thee give truthful reply,” said a deep, powerful voice. 

had heard of the beauty of Granada. Its fame made 
me restless to behold. I girded on my good sword, mounted 
my faithful horse, called my trusty squire and came hither. 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 


21 


Will your majesty deign to allow me time to behold the 
marvels which, indeed, were not half told to me? ’’ 

Ismael’s bright keen eye was upon the calm, untroubled 
face. 

By the beard of my father ! this is a strange story. It 
scarce looks likely that in these troublous times between 
Spain and Granada, thou shouldst have the temerity to 
come thus alone into our court for curiosity’s sake. How 
canst thou think we shall credit the tale, Sir Knight ? ” 
^‘Because tongue of mine is unused to speaking words 
which can be doubted. The truth is very simple always. 
It is fraud and deceit which has crooked ways and guileful 
speech. They laughed at my expedition as a mad freak, 
back there in Spain, and bade me farewell as though it 
were the last of me, but I came hither fearlessly. ‘ What,’ 
said I, ‘ shall the rulers of beautiful Granada prove so 
churlish as to deny foreign eyes a glimpse ? I believe it 
not. I will test their hospitality.’ True knighthood 
knows no other nationality than bravery and truth ; with 
these I will ride forth dauntlessly and try my fate. Behold, 
King of Gra^'.ada, I am here ; do with me as thou wilt.” 

While he spoke. Sir Ildefonse folded his arms, bowed 
again with a fearless blending of pride and humility, and 
waited for the king’s answer. 

A glance of irrepressible admiration passed from the 
king’s face to that of his band of courtiers. 

<‘Sir Knight,” said Ismael, with dignity, ‘‘from any 
other lips than thine such a tale would seem that of folly. 
But thou bearest a knightly grace which we would fain be- 
lieve in. As I said before, these be dark times and many 
rumors of invading forces come daily to us. We might 
naturally look closely that spies venture not in our midst. 
Enough that we accept thy words for truth, until their is 
proof against thee. So thou comest truly in friendship,, in 
friendship shalt thou be received. So thou art in the 
service of our enemy and come to spy upon our move- 
ments, thou shalt meet a spy’s fate. By the beard of 
Mahomet, thy heart’s blood shall stain the scimitar of my 
slaves, and thy bones_ bleach before the gates of Granada.” 

, ‘'Nay, your majesty. So Ildefonse so foully forgot his 
knightly honor as to be a spy for any cause, it should be 


22 THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 

his own sword which should first put an end to his re- 
creant heart, replied the knight hastily. 

The king smiled and exchanged a second glance of ad- 
miration with his courtiers. 

Take thy freedom then, Sir Knight, through the streets 
of Granada. We will give royal edict that thy path be un- 
molested.” 

He waved his jewelled sceptre. The guard closed about 
him, and slowly descending from the throne, the king 
passed away through an arched opening and the purple cur- 
tains fell after him. 

The crowd of courtiers came toward the knight, and from 
among them, richly clad and jewelled like the rest, Basilio 
stepped forth. 

^ ‘ Thou shalt be my guest, Sir Knight. I claim the 
privilege,” said he, eagerly. 

^^Thou dost forestall me, sage Basilio,” said a rich, deep 
voice, and a young and extremely handsome nobleman, 
wearing jewels betokening high rank, came forward. 

There were something extremely winning in the latter’s 
countenance, and Sir Ildefonse listened eagerly for his name. 
He had a clear, dark skin, with bright, red cheeks and 
full, dark eyes veiled by long silky lashes, and his long, 
glossy beard fell down over the rich, violet vestments. In 
the snowy folds of his turban sparkled a star of fine am- 
ethysts set around a large diamond. The hilt of his scimetar 
was of gold, studded with the same gems, and now and 
then as he moved, there came the glitter of jewels from his 
hands, which were mostly hidden by the large, flowing 
sleeve of his doublet. Altogether, there was something 
at once jaunty and refined, which took the eye of the 
Spanish knight. 

I am loath to relinquish my guest even to Prince 
Azim,” said Basilio to the last speaker, with an air of pro- 
found respect. ‘^Thou hast heard, my Prince, how the 
knight journeyed in my train.” 

As thou wilt, good Basilio, as thou wilt. Only be 
thou sure he receive generous and knightly treatment. Be 
the beard of the Prophet, Sir Spaniard, thou hast a spirit 
which stirs me to admiration and shame. Thou hast shown 
Granada a new spectacle, as well as gratified thine own 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 


23 


curiosity. Wilt thou engraft some of thine own dauntless 
spirit upon our craven Moors? ” 

So this generous, frank spoken youth was Prince Aziin. 
Sir Ildefonse looked at him with keener interest than be- 
fore, and wondered what he was to the veiled lady, and 
had he heard the story from her lips? 

Most likely he was her lover, if not already her husband 
and lord. The Spanish knight could not understand why 
the thought gave him a twinge of pain. 

Basilio drew him aside under pretence of exhibiting the 
magnificence of the famous apartment, but he whispered 
hastily — 

‘ ^ Keep silent about the lady. Dare not hint a word to 
Prince Azim concerning her presence.” 

<‘Does the prince know her?” inquired the knight, 
eagerly. 

Basilio shook his head impatiently. 

Allah forbid ! It would be the worse for him as well 
as for you to know aught concerning her.” 

^^She knows him, that is certain,” mentally repeated 
Ildefonse, taking courage at the thought. But possibly 
only by reputation as one kind and generous to strangers.” 

He was not allowed to dwell upon the subject. The 
Moors gathered around him, eager to obey the king’s com- 
mand, and give him hospitable welcome to Granada. 

Basilio extricated him at length by pleading his long 
journey and his fatigue. 

They left the Alhambra in company, and at the great 
portal Sir Ildefonse found his squire waiting with the fresh- 
ened animals. 

Basilio’s mansion was within a short distance. After re- 
freshments had been proffered, the host ushered his guest 
into a luxurious suite of rooms, and left him at once to the 
rest he really needed, having called his attention to the fact 
that Alana, the squire, was to sleep in the small room open- 
ing from his owiio 

Alana brought up the well-filled saddle-bags, and hunted 
up a few simple articles required for his master’s toilet in 
the morning. 

As soon as the door closed upon the host, and the even 
echo of his footsteps on the marble of the corridor died 


24 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 


away, the honest squire turned to his master with a long 
drawn breath. 

Holy Mother ! Sir Ildefonse, we’re really here, right 
in the very hive of these unbelieving pagans, and we’re 
alive still ! ” 

‘‘What did I promise you, foolish knave ? Alive, and 
why not ? And we shall return to Spain,' and be the heroes 
of every scene for the marvellous tales we can tell. Trust 
in your patron saint, and your good sword, Alana, and 
there shall be no harm to you. Why should we fear in- 
deed ? we come for no one’s harm.” 

“ But the secret mission, good master — when will that be 
accomplished? I beg and implore we get out of this, 
while the bloodthirsty Moors are in good humor. I don’t 
trust them any quicker than I’d trust a serpent.” 

“ Hush, knave. Have we met aught but generous treat- 
ment? And about that mission, be silent as the grave. I 
know naught now. I have so little clue ; but be certain I 
shall lose no time pushing cautious investigations. Hang up • 
my sword yonder, where it is in easy reach. There will be 
no need, I am sure, and yet a good soldier should always 
have his blade at hand. Go now to thy rest, Alana, and 
forget not thy prayers for the safe accomplishment of our 
wishes. If thy bones are as well racked as mine, thou 
wilt appreciate the down of these Moorish cushions.” 

While he spoke. Sir Ildefonse flung himself upon the 
yielding cushions of the low, bamboo couch. A soft, mel- 
low glow was diffused through the room by means of a 
hanging porcelain vase in which floated the perfumed oil, a 
tiny saucer of alabaster bearing the wick. The vessel was 
suspended too high for them to reach. Alana glanced at it, 
shrugged his shoulders, and walked into his own room 
leaving it burning, since there was no other alternative. 

Here he found another source of annoyanee. The couch 
was a fixture and so placed that he could not look into his 
master’s room. He remedied the matter, soldier-like, by 
taking a pillow, and lying down on the floor by the thres- 
hold. Alana had meant to be extremely vigilant and 
watchful to compensate for his master’s trustfulness, for the 
remembrance that they were actually here in the heart of 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA, 25 

the Moorish city might well send a thrill of vague alarm 
through his mind. 

But Sir Ildefonse breathed long and regularly, and the 
sound in itself was soporific. Utter stillness, too, reigned 
throughout the place, and Alana was travel worn and 
weary. He heard the chiming call from a neighboring 
minaret just once, then his stiff eyelids settled heavily, his 
own breath grew deep drawn and stentorian, and he was so 
sound asleep it would have taken a roll of the drum to 
have aroused him. 

Sir Ildefonse slept sweetly long before. The soft light in 
his room flung a silver glow over his noble face, with its 
gently parted lips, its tranquil, stirless eyelids. The filter- 
ing rays gathered on the edge of his sword hung over him, 
and made a little scintillating stream of light, which 
wavered along his glossy black hair like a caressing hand. 

The walls of the room were pure white, panelled in gilt, 
and a heavy wreath of stucco ran around the ceiling over 
head. While the master was lost in his sweet and happy 
dreams, and the squire held fast by the potent spell of 
sleep, silently and suddenly a deeply projecting leaf drop- 
ped from its place in the stucco garland just in front of the 
couch. 

A moment after a burning, coal-black eye kept guard at 
the aperture. At the same instant, in the same soundless 
manner, a thick curtain dropped before the door of the 
squire’s room, and despite his precaution, Alana’s eyes 
were cut off from observation concerning what was passing 
in his master’s room though he should open them. 

Full an hour that glittering eye kept its stirless vigil, 
then it disappeared, while at the same instant a panel near 
the couch slid away, a dark-robed arm was extended and 
withdrawn, bearing away the clothing the knight had tossed 
carelessly upon a pile of cushions. 

Not many minutes had elapsed ere the garments were re- 
turned. The same hand was followed by a tall, dark- 
robed figure wearing a black mask. It moved stealthily to 
the couch, and some potent drug was emptied beneath the 
.calmly smiling lips of the sleeper, which with subtle power 
crept into the breath and bound the knight for the time 
more securely th^n any fetters, 


26 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA, 


And above his head the good sword wavered and flashed 
its indignant light. 

The prying fingers made thorough examination now, and 
at length those wild, fierce eyes gleaming through the mask 
flashed triumphantly. 

In a narrow belt worn around the waist were concealed 
several precious gems, many pieces of gold, but these were 
left untouched, while a little roll of carefully written parch- 
ment was seized and borne away. 

Into an ante-room, at a safe distance from the kniglit’s 
chamber, the midnight thief hurried. It was a wierd, un- 
canny looking place, hung with black draperies marked 
with blood-red cabalistic signs, and there were odd looking 
vessels, crucibles and retorts, and all the outlandish ware 
of a laboratory scattered around. 

A brazen vessel filled with burning oil stood on a round 
ebony table. At this table stood the masked figure, un- 
rolling the closely folded parchment he had taken from the 
knight’s hidden belt. 

He read it with feverish intentness, and then flung it 
down with a fierce malediction. 

The deceitful knave. So this is his innocent curiosity. 
Oh, my misgivings were not in vain. Shall he come to 
undo my vengeance ? To baffle my schemes ? By Allah ! 
no ! He shall not babble this strange story throughout 
Granada. He shall never find the object of his search. I 
will end the matter this very night. He shall die. My 
arts must be poorer than of yore if I cannot satisfy the 
king and court concerning his disappearance. No matter ; 
the first step of my safety is to secure his silence. There 
is but one way for that. I am not the Wizard of Granada 
to fail in drugs for kindly need. He shall sleep for ever 
this night.** 

^^He spoke fiercely and rapidly ; all unknowing that 
another secret panel slipped away, that another dark fig- 
ure was watching every movement ; he flung down the 
parchment, and strode away into an inner laboratory and 
was presently at work over his vials there. 

This second intruder stepped noiselessly to the table, 
seized the parchment, read it carefully, dropped it, and re- 
treated. 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA, 


27 


Basilio’s house was full of mysteries ; there were secret 
passages through all the rooms, and unsuspected outlets 
through massive stone walls. The Wizard of Granada be- 
lieved that he alone was master of their cunning secrets. 
Yet this second dark figure walked fearlessly and securely, 
even though doors were bolted and windows stoutly barred, 
and passed out through a covered underground passageway 
and emerged into the starlight near the Alhambra gate of 
Judgement, There the black mask was lifted as though 
the wearer were panting for air, and for one brief instant 
a face was lifted toward the starry, silent skies in passionate 
entreaty, while a pair of large, magnetic eyes flamed a 
fierce light through blinding tears. 

At last ! at last, judgment is coming ! The skies are 
not deaf. Basilio, your hour is at hand ! ” ejaculated a 
woman’s voice, in choked, suffocated tones. 

Then the mask was resumed, and the dark figure hur- 
ried on. 

Something like an hour afterward, the noiseless panel 
again admitted a visitor. Basilio had left the mask this 
time. His dark face was wild and fierce, his eyes roll- 
ing angrily, his sallow cheek ghastly pale, his lips set sav- 
agely. ...... 

He bore a small vial with a bright red liquid within it, 
and bending over the sleeper he was about to pour its 
deadly miasma where the knight must inhale it, when a 
light touch on his arm made him start and turn in alarm 
and amazement. 

Prince Azim ! ” stammered Basilio. 

Aye, Basilio, Prince Azim. And wilt thou tell me why 
I am dragged forth just as I was seeking my couch, and 
wherefore I find you here in the chamber of Granada’s 
knightly guest ? ” 

The sound of the low, impressive voice seemed to arouse 
Basilio to a, sense of the danger of his position. He 
thrust the fatal vial into his breast, and seizing Prince 
Azim’s hand, drew him hastily through the panel which 
closed voluntarily after them. 

Hush, come away, I beseech you, lest you waken mas- 
ter and man, both of them,” whispered he, and swiftly led 
the way to a sumptuously furnished reception saloon, where 


28 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 


he lighted the lamps, busying himself in attending to the 
room to gain time to meet the exigencies of the case. 

At last he flung himself upon the pile of satin cushions, 
and turned a gloomy face toward his unbidden guest. 

^^Well, Basilio,” said the gay, ringing voice, as the 
bright, dark eyes searched his pallid features, ‘^you have 
not told me yet why I am dragged thither.” 

You should best be able to answer that, your high- 
ness. It is I, who am astonished as well as aggrieved. 
My zeal in behalf of Granada made me anxious to ascer- 
tain the object of this Spaniard’s coming. I have a magic 
spell by which I meant to obtain that knowdedge for the 
king. You disturbed me in the midst of it. How you 
were admitted, why you came, is a mystery to me.” 

Are you really a dealer in the black arts, Basilio? I 
know they call you the Wizard of Granada, and yet my 
faith has hitherto been small. Allah defend us ! May it be 
there is such a thing as taking hold of the mystic links to 
the unknown world of spirits so they can cross to you, as 
well as you call upon them ? I was roused by a dreamy, 
shadowy apparition. Hist, Basilio, I will tell you what it 
is like. A thin, oval face not without grace and strong 
marks of beauty, a pair of dark eyes that burnt into me 
like lightning flashes, waves of streaming hair glossy and 
long, but dripping with brine, the whole with that unearthly 
look as if it had risen from the water from a restless 
grave.” 

Basilio’s pale lips had parted, his eyes grew horrified 
and awe stricken at this description. Instinctively he put 
up his two hands as if to ward off a well known ghostly, 
dread. 

You saw her,” gasped he. 

Aye, I am sure I saw it, and I cannot forget it ; but it 
vanished in a moment, while a voice cried : ^ Arise quickly, 
fly to the house of Basilio ; there is murder in his heart. 
If you would save the Spanish knight, fly ; the way shall 
be plain before^you.’ And so I hurried forth. An unseen 
hand, icy cold, was laid on mine to guide, me. Doors 
opened for me in the solid wall, panels slipped away mys- 
teriously. I walked like one in a dream, and I found you, 
Basilio, bending over the knight.” 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 


29 


I was trying my spell of enchantment,” said Basilic, 
working his convulsive lips with desperate energy to compel 
them to articulate the words, and turning his face away from 
his companion’s gaze. « 

By the beard of the Sultan, Basilic, do not try that spell ^ 
again, if I am to be disturbed in this fashion. I would 
rather face a dozen warriors armed to the teeth than that 
dead, ghastly face.” 

Basilic shuddered. 

It is very strange ; I cannot fathom it,” muttered he. 

‘^Take my advice, Basilic; give over your dark prac- 
tices. So you peer too closely into the uncanny mysteries 
of the ghostly realm, we shall yet hear of your being car- 
ried away, soul, body and all. If I am to be linked in the 
matter in this uncomfortable fashion, it behooves me to 
keep watch over you. The Spanish knight becomes my 
guest in the morning, and look you. Basilic, no more 
spells. You are responsible to the king for his safe appear- 
ance. Now I will return, and if you please I’ll go out the 
ordinary way under mortal guidance.” 

Prince Azim rose as he spoke. Basilic followed his ex- 
ample, and courteously led ‘the way down past the sleepy 
guard, who rubbed their eyes in astonishment while they 
unlocked the massive doorway to give him egress. 

Good-night, Basilic ; you will see me early in the 
morning, and I must find my guest in good health and spir- 
its,” called out he as he stepped out into the air. 

Basilic went back to his laboratory and flung himself , 
down prone upon its black marble pavement. 

^‘Foiled, foiled!” muttered he. ‘^And by what? by 
whom? A terrible, terrible dread is upon me. That gay- 
hearted boy told the tale too artlessly for it to be feigned, 
and . he was never in my house before. He came by the 
secret entrance, led as he declares by an icy, invisible hand, 
and he saw a face that looked as if it had risen from a 
watery grave. Avaunt, avaunt dread ghost ! Sleep, sleep 
in peace, murdered Anita ! your vengeance works. Oh, 
powers of light and darkness ! can the dead come back to 
haunt me?” 

A terrible dread, a frenzied excitement took possession 
of him. He lay there groveling, hiding his face, rolling to 


30 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 


and fro in agony more than an hour. Then suddenly 
springing to his feet, he strode to the cabinet, seized a flask 
and poured out a generous glass of wine, forbidden to 
faithful Moslem Jips. He drank it off, and filled a second 
glass, his hand growing steadier, his face gaining color. 

^ < I will not be daunted yet. I will compass my plans 
by other means,” muttered he, and calling the slave who 
was never allowed to enter the suite of astrologer’s rooms, 
he went away to feverish and perturbed slumber. 


CHAPTER IV. 

All unconscious of the slender thread by which his life 
had hung. Sir Ildefonse sprang up with the early morning 
sunbeams. His head was a little heavy, but the draught 
of fresh air he inhaled, as he leaned from the window, en- 
joying the rare beauty of a garden filled with strange and 
brilliant blossoms, and the delicious bath, restored him to 
his usual enviable health. 

Alana, hearing him bustling around, canie in, looking 
ashamed and self-convicted. 

Hark, there are summons without ; open the door, 
Alana, and stand not like a block.” 

It was a slave, who bent nearly to the floor in profound 
obeisance, nodding his turbaned head till the heavy folds 
of gilt cloth seemed ready to fall. He held a silver tray in 
his hand and on it lay an ivory tablet. 

Sir Ildefonse took it and read : 

“ The early morning woos you forth, brave knight of Spain. Come, 
ere the dewdrop has forsaken the rose, ere sluggish eyes are unclosed. 
Prince Azim waits to breakfast with the guest of Granada. The slave 
will lead the way.” 

The knight was well pleased and only hesitated a mo- 
ment. 

‘ ^ Where is Basilio ? lam ignorant of Moorish customs ; 
will he take offence if I go in obedience to this summons ? 
Stay, I will leave the tablet to explain.” 

He handed the tablet to the slave, and pointed toward 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA, 3 1 

his fellow who leaned without. For Basilio.” The lat- 
ter nodded intelligently. 

The Wizard of Granada still slumbers, but he would 
wake if it were needful. He bows to the illustrious will of 
Prince Azim. Come without fear.’’ 

Sir Ildefonse carelessly girded on his sword ; he had 
previously taken care to notice that his belt was safe about 
his waist, and beckoning to the squire, followed the lead 
of the ebony guide. There were only a few tradesmen and 
countrymen in the streets, and these had little opportunity 
for staring, for the Ethiopian led through a private covered 
passageway, and they were speedily in the banquet-roona 
of Prince Azim. 

The young nobleman rose from a divan piled with luxur- 
ious cushions of pale pink silk richly fringed with silver, 
and came forward to meet them with that same peculiarly 
bright and luminous expression of countenance. He 
looked the beaming impersonation of all things glad and 
buoyant. 

Welcome, welcome ! gallant knight, to the home of 
Azim of Granada. I need not ask if you slept well in the 
grim haunts of our learned Wizard, for I read on your face 
that you are greatly refreshed.” 

While he spoke he clapped his hands, and two slaves 
came forward wheeling a second rose- colored divan, upon 
which the knight was courteously placed, just opposite his 
youthful host. A single breath upon the gold whistle, and 
two lovely maidens glided in, bearing silver basins of per- 
fumed water, and snowy towels fringed with gold thread. 
Their dextrous fingers took gently the hands of master and 
guest and laved them in the water, and then dried them 
with the towels. This done, with graceful obeisance they 
rose from their kneeling posture, and bore away the basins, 
returning in a moment to the tune of some invisible lute, 
swinging censors which left silvery clouds of delicious per- 
fume floating in the air. 

After which came the breakfast. Two oval tables of 
bronze were wheeled before the divans, and the same girls 
brought dish after dish of savory viands, interspersed with 
tiny opal bubbles which held but little more than a spoon- 
ful of the most delicious coffee, Prince Azim trifled a lit- 


32 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 


tie with each plate brought to him, and watched with evi- 
dent gratification the knight’s zest and enjoyment. 

Will it not be something to remember, my prince, this 
breakfast with you?” said Sir Ildefonse gaily, as he sent 
away the fairy coffee-cup for replenishmet ; ^‘sometime 
when I am bivouacing on a battle-field, maybe, longing 
for a dry crust of bread, it will seem like a banquet with 
the fairies. Many’s the time in my wanderings I’ve rode 
all day and night without tasting food.” 

Tell me about some such scenes. You see how like a 
doll I have lived. It shames me to the very quick, now 
that I look upon a true knight, and a brave man,” said 
Prince Azim, with a tide of crimson deepening the bloom 
of his cheek. You do not guess how my heart leaps out 
to you. I read your character at once; tell me all you 
have seen of battle and adventure and brave knightly 
prowess. ’ ’ 

Sir Ildefonse was charmed by so winning and courteous 
a listener into many a long story of adventure, and though 
he modestly kept his own achievements in the background, 
it was easy to read how brave and honorable fame he had 
won. 

And even of late, while in Basilio’s train, you met with 
some adventure,” said Prince Azim, drawing a long sigh. 

I heard some hint of it.” 

‘‘ Nay,” answered Sir Ildefonse, it was nothing, a mere 
brush-like pastime. I would you could in your turn en- 
lighten my ignorance ; there is much in Granada that is 
strange to me. Who is this Basilio ? There is an odd sen- 
sation in my heart when I look into his eyes ; I cannot tell 
whether I detest or venerate him.” 

Prince Azim started. 

‘‘Another proof of the singular assimilation of our 
minds ; it is even the same with me. He is a wise man, 
very deeply learned in mystic arts, but I cannot be sure 
that ' I honor or esteem him. Mind thou, my Spanish 
friend, to keep clear of him, as much as may be. That is 
the advice of a true friend — such may you ever find in 
Azim.” 

“Yes, I am sure of it,” replied Sir Ildefonse warmly. 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 33 

It is singular that I was recommended to your friendship, 
even before I saw you.” 

How, could that be, I pray you ? ” 

An unknown lady to whom I was able to render a trif- 
ling service, bade me appeal to you in case harm threatened 
me from my wild expedition to Granada.” 

The Prince started. 

^^You saw her! It could be but one,” he exclaimed, 
eagerly. 

The knight shook his head sorrowfully. 

No, I did not see her ; I know naught concerning her, 
beyond her name. Canst thou tell me something concern- 
ing the Princess Xina ? ” 

His host started nervously, and looked down, biting his 
fresh, red lips impatiently. 

My friend,” said he in a mournful voice, that is a 
name no one in Granada dares speak lightly. It was wise 
in you to forget that you had heard it.” 

But if one cannot forget,” asked Ildefonse impatiently, 
‘Mf it is impossible ? ” 

It must be possible. We are all compelled to find it 
so. No one is a keener sufferer from the cruel degree than 
myself. ’ ’ 

^ ^ It is all a mystery ; is there no one who will speak out 
plainly?” continued Sir Ildefonse in an irritated voice ; 

will no one tell me who she is, this mysterious Princess 
Xina?” 

‘‘No one,” answered Prince Azim, “ will dare to speak 
of her, as no one dares to look upon her face.” 

“ I will ask the king himself! ” exclaimed the knight, 
resolutely. 

‘ ‘ Rash man, forbear ! it would cost you your head ! ’ ’ 
exclaimed Prince Azim, springing from his couch impetu- 
ously. 

But Ildefonse was smiling softly, recalling the precious 
promise he had received. 

“ It is already the eleventh day ; I shall see her myself 
if she keeps her promise. I will go presently to the gate- 
way pointed out to me as the gate of Judgement ; I will 
fear nothing, I would fight my way step by step, before I 
would give up the privilege,” he repeated mentally. 

3 


34 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 


His host evidently believed his thoughts had wandered 
away, for he said : 

Now, then, we will plan the entertainment of the 
day — I will take you over every pleasant nook in Gra- 
nada. ’ ' 

Ildefonse roused himself from his abstraction. 

Grant me this boon, I pray you; I have scarcely re- 
covered from the sights of yester eve. Give me this day 
in peace and quiet, to roam unmolested where I will. To- 
morrow I will be in readiness for your kind attendance.” 

‘‘So be it then. Take your freedom of this house of 
mine; I ordered your horses and your servants to be 
taken care of here. Here you can come, when it pleases 
you, for rest, for recreation, for friendship and protection, 
alway . ’ ’ 

The gracious benignity of his manners touched the knight 
deeply. 

“ Prince Azim,” he said, ‘‘if it lies in my power I shall 
repay this generous delicacy. If fate wills that I shall only 
receive bounty, still will I accept it freely in the chivalrous 
spirit with which you offer it. Truly have you spoken, that 
we are kindred spirits ; I acknowledge and respond to the 
spell which unites us.” 

He held out his hand as he spoke, and Prince Azim 
clasped it eagerly. They separated then to their respective 
ways. 

Ildefonse, flinging about him a Moorish cloak, according 
to a hint of his host’s, walked forth into the streets, which 
were growing noisy with the increasing crowds. 

The palace of Prince Azim was so near the Alhambra he 
had no trouble in finding the great gate. Remembering 
the lady’s figurative language, Sir Ildefonse looked up 
eagerly at the great key embossed over the gateway ; it was 
bright with the morning sunbeams. Even while he was 
gazing, a gray robed slave touched his shoulder. 

“ Art thou he ? ” 

“ I am the bandit’s foe,” replied the knight, feeling his 
heart flutter as no royal pomp or bandit threat had been 
able to stir it. 

“ Follow then till thou findest a steed ready caparisoned, 
then mayest thou proceed alone on the pathway to the 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA, 


35 


right,” said the gray robed slave, turning while he spoke 
and leading the way through street after street, until they 
had left behind the bustle and noise, and entered a peace- 
ful and quiet retreat — stretching forth into garden after 
garden of myrtle and blossoming shrubs, varied here and 
there by an up-lifting fountain, or a gilded kiosk, but 
growing wilder and more deserted looking, as they pro- 
ceeded. 

They reached at length a little nook, as isolated as 
though it were placed in the center of a desert, for on one 
side frowned a precipitous hill, and on the other stretched 
upward a magnificent grove of embowering trees. A sad- 
dled horse was fastened to the low branch of a slender ju- 
niper. 

The guide made a quick significant gesture toward it, 
turned and quietly withdrew. 

Sir Ildefonse flung off the Moorish cloak, and turned 
swiftly to the right. He had passed but a short distance, 
when forth from a glossy hedge emerged a graceful figure, 
uncloaked, unveiled, and waiting for him. A glad light 
broke over his face, as the great majestic beauty of that 
noble countenance was turned upon him. She was all that 
he had' pictured her, a grand, magnificent woman, such a 
one as alone could command and captivate his fancy, could 
reign queen of his heart. She was dressed in simple ele- 
gance. A rich velvet violet robe, free from embroidery 
save at the shoulders, where was wrought in gold thread 
some device indicative of rank. Her superb hair, glossy 
and dark as the raven’s wing, lightly plaited at the ends, 
swayed about her shoulders, undecorated save by the small, 
golden coil, which was more like a Greek cap than a tur- 
ban. A string of priceless pearls bearing an amulet 
wound about the snowy throat, and a similar wreath of 
ocean’s costly blossoms twined about her exquisitely 
moulded arms. 

She came forward to meet him with stately grace, al- 
though a slight flush of excitement that was half pride and 
half maidenly shame, burnt scarlet on her cheek, as he 
sprang forward, and unconscious of the daring act, 
stretched out both presumptuous arms toward her. 

Princess Xina ! At last I behold you. All the holy 


36 THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 

saints be praised that I have met you in truth ! ” cried the 
knight. 

'' Sir Ildefonse, Knight of Spain, I have kept my prom- 
ise ; you have received a favor few in Granada can boast. 
It is my grateful return for your brave deliverance,” said 
she, in clear, sweet tones, shaken by a little tremor. 
''Welcome, Sir Ildefonse, to the retreat of Princess 
Xina!” 

She turned as she spoke, waving her fair hand, as a sig- 
nal for his attendance, and'walked swiftly between a row of 
myrtle trees, pausing at a narrow marble flagged walk where 
two bronze warriors kept guard by battling with huge crys- 
tal swords, whose flash came from a gush of pure water ris- 
ing from some unseen fountain. The twin streams joined 
in a single arch, beneath whose diamond spray one must 
pass who followed the walk. 

The princess turned back an arch look, stooped her 
stately head and passed under the shower. 

" I would not hesitate were it fire or blood ! ” exclaimed 
Sir Ildefonse, and followed valiantly. 


CHAPTER V. 

On either side the path were now a-bloom carefully 
tended flowers. Odorous roses nodded their blushing 
face, white and pink, and blood-red, overrunning gilded 
lattices. Great lilies, lustrous with milky whiteness. Flakes 
of scarlet fire, lapping their gorgeous tongues from glossy 
green foliage. Stalks of clustering blue of an intense hue 
outvying sky and sea. Great patches of yellow, more 
golden than the ore of the richest mine, all were mixed in 
dazzling profusion, rioting in bewildering fragrance. But 
Sir Ildefonse heeded them only as natural accessories of 
her presence ; his eye saw only the queen of the place pass- 
ing onward to the small kiosk. 

It was a simple place, furnished with a delicate taste. A 
square of white Persian carpeting with a border of pictured 
sea shells, covered the marble floor. There were only two 
divans, piled with white silk cushions with pink silk tassels. 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 


37 


A gilded cage swung with the movements of a pair of sing- 
ing birds. Two splendid vases held still more gorgeous 
treasure, and on the tiny stand was a silver waiter, piled 
with a tempting pyramid of fruit. 

The princess seated herself with a little tremulous sigh, 
and motioned for her companion to do the same. 

We have an hour,’’ said she, taking up a silver hour- 
glass, and turning its gilded sands back. ^‘Its expiration 
must find us both far from this spot or it might cost us both 
dearly.” 

But I may come again,” cried out the knight, eagerly. 

She smiled mournfully. 

‘^Already craving further indulgence ? You dream not 
at what risk this interview is obtained. Nay, Sir Knight, it 
were well that you should understand that this is the last 
and final interview. You behold the Princess Xina for the 
first and the last time.” 

^‘Then let me perish, here, at once,” cried out the 
knight in a tone of keen anguish. knew before I 

looked upon your face, that I had met my destiny. That 
you were the star to claim all my aspirations, the one 
woman queenly and high and grand enough to win the love 
of Ildefonse. Tell me not my ardent hopes are to be 
blasted.” 

The princess had started up from the cushions crimsoned 
to the very temples ; the attitude was proud and indignant, 
but the beautiful face was soft and tender as the dark eyes 
beheld the impassioned, truthful countenance of the Spanish 
knight. She held up her two fair hands in solemn gesture. 

‘^Hush, oh, hush ! let me wound no more noble hearts. 
Let me be spared the grief of piercing thy knightly spirit. 
Would that thou hadst never met me. Put me forever 
from thy thoughts. Thou couldst sooner win a bride from 
the clutches of the grave than hope to gain the hand of 
Xina.” 

^^What is impossible? Oh, hear me. I have a heart 
strong to endure, an arm tireless to win its way. I am of 
noble birth, of that I have been assured. A good heritage 
has mine own good sword won for me. What obstacle lies 
in the way so I can win thine own consent, sweet lady ? 
Show it to me that I may hew it down.” 


38 THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 

She shook her fair head with sad earnestness. 

^ ‘ It is hopeless. Ask me nothing, but believe that fate 
is inexorable.” 

I cannot, I will not accept that answer,” cried out Sir 
Ildefonse, passionately. ‘^All my life long I have found 
that what I strove for with all my heart and soul, I won at 
last. Shall it fail me now that I seek the crowning glory? ” 

The princess looked into his kindling countenance with 
sad and earnest eye, and a soft glow a m.oment on her face. 

‘‘Nay,” said she at length, “how can you refuse to 
credit my words ? There are enough to tell you the same. 
Have you not found the name of the Princess Xina a for- 
bidden sound ? Aye, even for the king’s favored courtier, 
for the heir of the throne, for Pince Azim himself.” 

“The prince loves you too — I guessed it. We are 
strangely alike. He lacks my resolution, my flaming will 
that conquers adverse circumstances as it shall conquer 
these, whatever they may be,” cried out the daring knight. 

“So bold of heart?” repeated the princess, in amaze- 
ment. 

“Aye, lady, so resolute also of will. I will not despair 
if the Princess Xina will give me but this sweet solace, if 
she will only say that her hopes, her prayers, go toward the 
success of my undertaking.” 

The silken jetty eyelash had fallen shyly to the crim- 
soned cheek, the red lips were wistful and tremulous, the 
royal air had given place to girlish shyness, and the prin- 
cess was only the tender, gentle woman, as she replied : 

“ From the depths of my heart. Sir Ildefonse, I can give 
you that assurance. It was not in vain that I saw you flash- 
ing upon me as from the clear skies, like a youthful demi- 
god, with your gleaming eyes and your sweeping blade, 
that day in the lonely woods when the fierce bandit’s grip 
was on my arm. ‘ If such good fortune were possible for 
me,’ upspoke my heart, ‘here comes the hero of my 
dreams.’ And there has been nothing to gainsay the asser- 
tion since.” 

Sir Ildefonse knelt before her and touched his lips rever- 
ently to the white hand. 

“ It is enough. I will conquer this mysterious fate,” he 
said proudly. 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 


39 


Alas, yoi5 are in the land of foes, and dangers lurk on 
all sides. Beware of Basilio. And, oh, hide this temerity 
as you would shield your life, from reach of the king’s 
knowledge.” 

‘‘It is the king I am to fear then, most of all? ” ques- 
tioned the knight. 

She bowed her head in answer. 

‘ ‘ Are you his slave, his betrothed ? ’ ’ demanded he in a 
husky voice. 

Her eyes flashed upon him their indignant splendor. 

“ I cannot marry him, but he has sworn a solemn oath I 
shall look kindly upon no other living man. Hush, speak 
not another word. What power has thou to wring so much 
from me? Look?” 

She pointed to the glass whose golden sands were dwind - 
ling into a shining speck. 

“ Go, go — delay is fatal; fatal alike to me and to your- 
self. Fly, I beseech you.” 

While she spoke she tore her hand away from him, and 
pointed imploringly., 

“For this once I obey. But I must see you again. 
Send me the same sign when I may venture hither again. 
I am with Prince Azim.” 

“He is a trusty friend where once his sympathies are 
enlisted,” said the princess thoughtfully. “ He may be of 
use against the malignity of Basilio ; but to • hinder the 
king’s wrath, so you were hapless enough to arouse it, he is 
like a straw. Oh, be cautious, I pray you, especially upon 
this mysterious errand which has brought you to Granada, 
which has so kindled the wrath of Basilio.” 

“You hinted your knowledge of that before,” said the 
knight eagerly. “ Let me give you a frank explanation.” 

“ I dare not wait longer. The king returns at this next 
hour ; he may call for me any minute.” 

“Another time, then; I shall count the minutes until I 
look upon your face again.” 

“Importunate ! imperious!” said Princess Xina with a 
frown, but there was sc tender smile on her lips. “ I told 
you this was a farewell. You guess not at what a risk you 
have obtained this favor. The whole Alhambra would be 


40 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA, 


aghast to know that the strange knight had looked upon the 
unveiled face of the Princess Xina. Be content and goT 
Content 1 does one who has basked in sunshine consent 
to go back to perpetual darkness ? Will the lips that have 
tasted of ambrosia return willingly to coarser food ? It is 
by no common chance that we have met, noble princess. 
Believe me, our lives touch closely. Whatever warring ele- 
ments lie between, they must blend at last.” 

He spoke eagerly, confidently, a noble zeal shining in 
his eye, a worthy pride curling his lip. 

The princess followed his words with breathless interest. 
She clasped her hands, lifted her eyes upward a moment 
and then sighed deeply. 

‘‘Would that I could have faith like thine. Alas! a 
powerful will and a mighty sceptre interpose. Once more 
I implore you to go. I will find means to leave a summons 
for you in your apartment at Prince Azim’s if I judge it 
well or wise for another meeting.” 

Sir Ildefonse saw that she was really alarmed and anxious 
and turned at once. 

“ Farewell, then, for the time, sweet lady. Far be it 
from me to wish to disturb your peace of mind,” he said. 

The princess waved her hand to him, and vanished 
through the inner doorway. The knight walked slowly 
and thoughtfully away, aware - that the same slave who 
guided him to the place was waiting at the outer gi- 
trance to guard as he judged, against any interruption. 
The Spanish knight passed him and walked back to the 
house of Prince Azim. His host was at the Alhambra, 
the servant informed him, but had left strict orders that 
all his wishes should be attended to. 

Ildefonse was by no means displeased at this opportu- 
nity for self-communion. He sat down by a lovely arched 
window which gave him a glimpse of blossoming shrubs, 
a dozen fountain jets flashing up against the clear blue of 
the sky, a garden kiosk, and beyond a bit of the inimita- 
ble landscape of Granada. And quieting Alan a’ s curi- 
osity concerning his absence, he leaned his head upon his 
hand and fell into a deep revery. It was not all a lov- 
er’s roseate vision, there were stern and startling thoughts, 
many baffling and vexing conjectures. Through it all? 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 4I 

however, the man’s singularly resolute, sanguine nature 
kept firm trust in the ultimate success of his hopes. 

But- upon his secret quest he had as yet made no single 
step forward. He knit his brow fiercely, recalling the 
princess’ hint concerning Basilio’s antagonism. 

Wherefore should it be ? ” he asked again and again, 
and resolved to watch the Moor more closely when they met 
again. 

The opportunity came speedily. In the afternoon Ba- 
silic made his appearance. He came in smiling and gra- 
cious. 

‘‘Thou hast run away from my hospitality. Sir Knight, 
but it is our coaxing prince whonvl must chide. I prom- 
ised to give thee proof of my claim to the name they 
gave me, to show why I am the Wizard of Granada. I 
give an exhibition this very afternoon It may please 
thee to come. At least thou wilt be entertained by the 
rude delight of the gathered crowd. Thou mayest learn 
much concerning the Moors thereby.” 

“ Many thanks. ’ If Prince Azim returns to accompany 
me, I shall gladly be present,” replied Ildefonse. 

Just a perceptible shade crossed the Wizard’s face. 

“I saw the prince at the Alhambra.. The king will 
scarcely spare him again to-day. If it would not vex the 
waiting crowd I might postpone it ; but I like not to try 
their temper too far. Were it not better to come now 
with me, and leave word for Prince Azim, even as you 
took leave of my house this morning? ” 

“ In truth, no. I like honest, open dealings if it be pos- 
sible. I told the prince I should remain here in quiet ; I 
declined his offer of entertainment ; it would be capricious 
to accept yours insteado I choose that he shall find me 
here when he comes,” returned the knight calmly. 

Basilio’s hand, under the loose folds of his garments, was 
clenched till the long, sharp nails were buried in the flesh, 
but he kept his countenance smilingly serene. 

“Let us hope then for Prince Azim’s Speedy return,” 
said he. 

“ Behold how events answer your wishes, wise Basilio,” 
said a gay voice. ‘ ‘ Azim is here. What will you have of 
him?” 


42 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 


truth you are right welcome,” cried Ildefonse, ris- 
ing eagerly to meet the speaker, who came lightly across the 
threshold of the outer door. This wise man promises us 
more entertainment this afternoon.” 

^‘That is well planned, most learned Magician. Then I 
trust you have pardoned me for stealing away your guest. At 
what hour shall we come ? for you will not be churlish 
enough to refuse me an invitation likewise for this exhibition 
of your marvelous skill,” replied the prince, touching his 
lips to the silver whistle. 

Basilio endeavored to conceal his annoyance, but there 
was involuntary tinge of asperity in his tone as he re- 
plied : 

The populace gather in an hour hence. I fancied it 
might entertain this stranger to witness my feats of magic. 
You honor me too much by your condescension, prince.” 

‘‘ Then let us have refreshments now, and we will 
present ourselves shortly.” 

The entrance of the banquet girls diverted the conversa- 
tion, and presently Basilio took leave. 

The moment he disappeared the prince dropped his 
merry smile, and turned to the knight : 

You did well,” said he, to wait for my coming. Be- 
ware of trusting yourself alone with Basilio anywhere, at 
any time.” 

faith ! ” replied Sir Ildefonse, an my good sword 
were with me, I would not fear the chance ! ” 

** But his subtle magic is more powerful than any sword. 
He has spells, they say, to unnerve the stoutest arm, to par- 
alyze the bravest heart ? ” 

‘‘I wonder much that he tried not his powerful spells 
when the bandits overpowered him,” observed Ildefonse, 
sarcastically. 

The Moorish prince gave a clear, mellow laugh, but then 
said, gravely : 

My friend, wily men are only mortal when taken at a 
disadvantage, but on their own ground they are more powerful 
than a dozen honest, open-faced foes. Remember that I 
have warned you to beware of Basilio. Trust him not, eat 
not his food, drink not of his cup.” 

‘‘I have been warned of him before. Already, and I 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 


43 


only two days in Granada, I have been thriced warned 
against him. By my word, I have a mind to tax him to 
his face with the accusation, and demand to know what it , 
means. I am a stranger. I have done him no harm ; on 
the contrary, I have saved him from the bandits. Why 
should he be an enemy of mine ? ” 

Why, indeed?” returned the prince, calmly, in re- 
sponse to the knight’s impetuous speech, and yet it is so. 
You say you have received other warnings. If you have 
not full faith in my friendship, trust to the others, whatever 
it may be, and believe that quiet watchfulness is the best 
safeguard against the wizard’s cunning spells.” 

‘‘Yet you chose to go there to-day ? ” 

“ Yes, why refuse you a vastly entertaining spectacle ? 
The man’s learning is wonderful. There is something 
fiercely grand in his character which one must admire. 
While I would foil his evil plans, I somehow do not hate, 
but rather in an odd way respect and admire Basilio. The 
strange man is poring over his musty parchments, or stir- 
ring wierdly in his crucible, midnight after midnight. He 
spares not himself, if he be unmerciful toothers. You will 
be safe in my company. Daring as he is', he will not offer 
harm to Prince Azim. Besides, I am puzzled by this ani-- 
mosity of his. I would fain study his looks, and read his 
thoughts while you are by. Let us go by all means, and 
think not you are to see any childish show. You will be 
filled with profound astonishment and admiration, I prom- 
ise you I ” 

The prince spoke to the chief of the servants as he passed 
through the vestibule some unintelligible words, but the 
knight guessed their drift, when he saw some half-a-dozen 
of the retainers come forth and follow quietly behind 
them. 

“He is really in earnest in his belief,” thought the un- 
suspecting knight, “ and yet I cannot think Basilio would 
work me harm.” 

They found a large crowd before the magician’s door of 
all ranks and ages, and of either sex, though the women 
were wrapped up as closely as mummies, and closely veiled. 

The prince was evidently well-known in Granada, for 
there was a low hum upon his appearance^ and every tur- 


44 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 


banned head was bent in profound respect, and the path 
was instantly opened for his approach to the house. 

The doors were barred to the multitude, but noiselessly 
unfolded before these invited guests. A tall, splendidly- 
formed Ethiopian stood at the inner entrance with a gilded 
basket in his hand. He did not appear aware of the pres- 
ence of the prince and his companion, but as the crowd 
followed, Idlefonse, who stood looking back, found that his 
wary eye took good heed that every one admitted threw a 
coin into the basket.’^ 

‘‘So that is the secret of Basilio’s ample revenue,” ob- 
served the knight. 

“ His experiments are costly,” returned the prince, “ as 
you will see.” 

They were ushered into a long room, evidently prepared 
as a hall of exhibition, filled with benches and carefully 
darkened. The hangings around the walls were of sable 
hue, and of some heavy, cumbersome cloth which fell in 
stiff folds like flutings. From an iron chain, dropping 
from an ebony hand seemingly reached through the upper 
ceiling, hung a bronze lamp whose flame had a blue, un- 
canny shade. 

At one end was a long table, likewise draped in the black 
cloth, and empty of all things except a crystal globe of what 
seemed water. 

A raised seat canopied with a silken curtain was set apart 
from the motley audience. Toward that the prince and his 
companion were directed by a slave fancifully dressed to 
represent a water sprite. When all confusion from choos- 
ing seats had subsided, there came a low wild burst of 
melody, which to every listener seemed to have been 
breathed into his own ear alone. Despite his resolute 
skepticism. Sir Ildefonse started and locked hastily behind 
him. Turning suddenly, as a deep, mellow voice spoke, 
there was Basilic standing behind the table on the raised 
platform. There was. no door near him, there had been 
no -sound of rustling garment or faintest echo of footstep, 
but there he stood, and Ildefonse had not realized until then 
how fine and commanding wa^ his figure. His tall, ad- 
mirably proportioned form was rendered more majestic by 
the long black garment^ something partaking of the nature 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 


45 


of tunic and mantle, which trailed its jetty fringe on the 
floor. It was belted at the waist by ^ golden serpent, whose 
eyes seemed instinct with life as it moved slowly to and fro, 
while now and then the blood-red tongue was thrust forth 
with a low, hissing noise, which made many of the nervous 
women shrink back with a low shriek. An antique helmet 
of jet, with a red cabalistic sign embossed in front, crowned 
his head, and his flashing black eyes beneath made him 
truly seem like some mighty conjurer who held the powers 
of darkness at his beck. 

He bowed gravely at the audience, then waved his 
hand thrice over the globe of water, bent down just far 
enough to send a breath into it, and straightway it bubbled 
and seethed, rising into a white column of foam, which 
subsided, and lo ! there was the globe filled with many 
species of water insects, with gold-fish glancing to and 
fro, even delicate sea mosses crept along the crystal walls, 
and flung out their dainty sprays upon the water. 

A murmur of admiration rose from the gazers. Basilio 
did not seem aware of it. He stood, for a moment, like 
one in a trance. Then flung up one hand and pointed to 
one end of the room. Slowly a spot of light was per- 
ceptible, it grew luminous and soft like a full moon. The 
wizard smiled with a wild exultant light flashing from his 
eyes, and again pointed. This time a low cry of mingled 
delight and astonishment showed the intent observation of 
the audience. Magically it seemed — -a bed of flowers had 
taken root in the arc of light. Steadily and visibly the 
stalks pushed upward, the leaves unfolded, the buds swelled ; 
fluttered, burst forth into blossoms of brilliant hue and per- 
fect shape. The air was filled with a delicious aroma. A 
shout of transport showed the childish enjoyment of the 
gazers. 

Basilo seemed entirely unaware of any other presence 
than the angelic individual spirit to whom he gave com- 
mands. He waved his hand once more. The flowers van- 
ished, and a sparkling sea wavered and rippled around a 
rocky coast. 

Suddenly a white-winged ship came drifting across the 
billows. Right on its path rose a sea-god with dripping 
hair and uplifted trident. Thrice waved the trident, and 


46 THE WIZARD OF GRANADA, 

Neptune sank to his watery home. But his spell was work- 
ing. The waves rose higher, foam-drifts swept across, the 
ship drove desperately forward, reeled, plunged, rose again, 
and then sunk. 

One horror-struck woman whose son was afar on the 
water burst into wild sobs, beneath her veil, whereupon 
the sea view vanished and a grotesque, grinning, smirking 
harlequin appeared, changing again into a wild animal, 
whose rolling eyes and quick spring sent half the spectators 
in terror from their seats. 

The performance was varied. He knocked mysteriously ^ 
upon the table, and an egg popped through in answer. He 
took it up, breathed once or twice upon it, and broke it 
open, whereupon a bird sailed up into the air, and perching 
on a bench began twittering merrily. Many strange feats 
followed, wonderful to Sir Ildefonse with his varied experi- 
ence of juggler and magician in all countries, but perfectly 
magical to the ignorant crowd of Moors. He passed around 
the room with a wicker basket in his hand which he held 
up and downward, and shook violently to prove there was 
nothing in it, but on presenting it to the gaping crowd, one 
took from thence an orange, another a cluster of grapes, a 
third a plump fig, and gay ribbons, and amulets, and an 
endless variety of trinkets followed. By the time he had 
reached the prince and his companion, the basket was again 
empty. He held it forth, however, with a smile, and the 
prince puttjpg in his jewelled hand drew forth a crown of 
gilded wire. A shout of applause rose from the quick-wit- 
ted crowd, for Prince Azim was a universal favorite. He 
colored, but bowed his acknowledgment. While he had 
thus engaged the attention of the prince, Basilio passed the 
basket to the knight. A snow-white ivory tablet was all that 
was left. Ildefonse took it up, and admired the exquisite 
polish. His warm breath played over it involuntarily, and 
the effect was startling. In letters glowing like fire was 
written in Spanish : 

‘‘Beware! forego your quest. It is hgpeless, and will 
cost you your life. Beware 1 ’ ' 

Ildefonse lifted his eyes to the face of the wizard ; it was 
calmly tranquil, as unconscious as a baby’s. 

He passed the tablet to the prince, but even while he did 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 


47 


so, the fiery letters faded out, the tablet was left as pure and 
unstained as first. His reward breath produced no effect. 

^^Well,” soliloquized the knight, It maybe a very 
pretty trick, but it will not change my resolution.” 

Basilio walked back to his platform, bowed, and vanished 
as mysteriously as he had first appeared. 

The crowd accepted this signal for their departure, and 
slowly filed out into the street. 

Prince Azim motioned to Sir Ildefonse to retain his 
seat. 

‘^He will come back to us. The rarer exhibition is 
withheld from the vulgar crowd. He can turn a man into 
stone as it were, take away his mind from him by a won- 
derful subtle liquid that you have only to inhale. He can 
send fiery darts of pain into your muscles, and most won- 
derful of all, he has a spell, whereby the sun itself obeys 
his mandate, and paints for him, more perfect than any 
artist can do, whatever image he desires. His learning is 
wonderful.” 

‘‘He comes again,” observed the knight with keen inter- 
est. “ See yonder ! ” 

A black fluted curtain unrolled and disclosed the wizard 
standing in a, small apartment whose roof was entirely of 
glass, through which the sunshine poured in a golden flood. 
Various odd looking instruments stood beside him. He 
had changed the black garment for one of dazzling white- 
ness, thickly besprinkled with spangles, from which the 
light glanced in little rivulets of splendor. In all that 
wealth of sunshine he fairly dazzled their eyes, and looked, 
as he intended, like a high priest of the sun, with a high 
helmet of burnished gold upon his head. 

“ I have, waited for the vulgar crowd to disperse,” said 
he, “that only my illustrious visitors might witness the 
sublimest effort of my art. Behold, I have woven a spell 
by which yonder far-off orb becomes a minister of my 
will, a servant to obey my commands. You shall behold. 
Prince Azim, and most honored knight from Spain, ad- 
vance and take your seats upon the couch yonder, keeping 
such quiet as becomes those for whom such fiery rays are 
working. When my incantation is through, this bit of pol- 


48 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 


ished metal shall show your perfect likeness as you sit be- 
fore the mighty sun/^ 

The guests obeyed. Basilio went through many mystical 
motions, muttered unintelligible words, and presently an- 
nounced that his incantation was finished, and the spirit of 
the mighty Sol was present. 

Sir lldefonse, believing it all mummery, smiled somewhat 
sacastically. But his doubt was changed to wonder and 
delight when Basilio handed him the sheet of metal, and 
he beheld perfectly pictured there, like the reflection of a 
mirror, stamped mysteriously on the plate was the divan 
and its two occupants. Not the slightest detail was lack- 
ing, from the peacock plume in Prince Azim’s turban, to 
the diamond buckle of his shoe. There was lldefonse with 
the ivory tablet in his hand, every line faithfully copied. 

‘‘Inshalla ! It is wonderful ! ” ejaculated Prince Azim. 

It is truly miraculous,’’ returned Sir lldefonse. May 
I have it, worthy Basilio ? It will be a priceless memento 
of Granada.” 

‘‘It is thine,” said Basilio, biting his lips impatiently 
as he loooked down at the picture, “ and yet it may not 
prove much satisfaction to you. ’ ’ 

He left the room a moment and went tearing down a cor- 
ridor stamping his foot angrily, while he muttered : 

“Why does it baffle me so? Why can I not discover 
the one process necessary to make the whole perfect? 
Oh, sleepless nights and weary days that I have spent, and 
all in vain ! Basilio were forever immortalized, so he could 
discover the one ingredient needed to preserve the picture 
from fading into blackness. But Twill have it yet, I will 
have it yet ! ” he muttered fiercely. 

He went back in as benign humor as when he first greeted 
them to enter the saloon and partake of refreshments. 

But the prince was anxious to return to his palace, and 
Sir lldefonse quietly followed his lead. They took leave 
then with many thanks for their entertainment. 

‘‘Well,” said the Spanish knight when they were once 
again safely in the saloon of Prince Azim, “ harm has not 
befallen me, but you were right ; Basilio has some unknown 
reasons for hating me. I read it to-day. His shallow arti- 


THE WIZARD OF'GRANADA. 49 

fice of the tablet gives me proof beyond need of question- 
ing. Can it be that he has read the ” 

He paused abrubtly and grew thoughtful, leaning his 
head on his hand seemingly quite forgetful of his compan- 
ion’s presence. 

I slept there the first night. I remember now my 
wonderment at the deep slumber which held me all the 
night long. He is skilled in all mysterious drugs. What 
if he had searched, if he had found ” 

If you bore any explanation of your errand hither, 
any secret instructions about your person, be sure that Ba- 
silio’s keen eyes have read every word,” said Prince Azim 
quietly. 

Sir Ildefonse started, knit his brow angrily and then ex- 
claimed — 

^‘He cannot frighten me with his fiery letters of warn- 
ing; I will be on my guard with the evil-minded Wizard, 
but I shall not falter one instant from my purpose.” 

When you choose to make me a confidant, when you 
have need of my assistance, I am ready to be a true 
and faithful friend to you,” said the youthful host in a 
calm, serene voice. 

Believe me I shall come to you first of all, ” replied 
Sir Ildefonse, warmly. 

‘^You can trust me, since I need no assurance that one 
of your noble and knightly character comes not on a foul, 
treacherous errand.” 

‘^Nay, rather on one of mercy, although unfortunately 
it needs delicate management and secret investigation. I 
want to be put upon the track of one Manuel Montez, a 
Spaniard who left Madrid near upon eighteen years ago. I 
have made what inquiries I could, but rid one knows aught 
concerning him, and yet we had good proof that he was 
in Granada, scarcely a year ago. There is an old man, 
feeble and wretched, back there in Spain praying for death 
to spare him until my return. For his sake I am impa- 
tient at every moment’s delay.” 

Manuel Montez,” repeated the Prince, thoughtfully. 

I am sure that I never heard the name here in Granada. 
Are you certain he was here a year ago ? ” 

‘^Our evidence of that fact cannot be disputed. The 

4 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA, 


SO 

name after all is of little account. Where one has good 
motives it is easy to take a new name. I have an accurate 
description of his person. To tell the truth, this Basilio 
answers to it well, but I have been assured that he is of 
Moorish origin. Now that I have discovered his anger at 
my errand, I suspect him hugely, either of being Manuel 
Montez himself or an accomplice interested to prevent the 
discovery of the wretch. ’ ’ 

^^He had committed some great crime, this Manuel?” 
said the prince. 

Aye, a dastardly crime, that not only struck it’s deadly 
blow at the heart he hated, but which foully wronged the 
innocent.” 

I will help you find him. It is true that we have al- 
ways considered Basilio a Moor. But now that I think 
closely about it, I am not sure there are any proofs of it. 
I know that he is thoroughly versed in Spanish history as 
well as entirely at home in its language and customs. I 
guessed long ago that he was a luke-warm Mohammedan. 
I never heard of any relative of his, he seems a solitary, 
isolated being, which would be unlikely, so he were a 
Moor. You hunt him up for punishment, to avenge the 
wrongs of that dying old man you spoke of ? ” 

^^Nay, rather to compel him to give what restitution is 
possible. I told you the innocent were involved. He may 
give a peaceful death-bed yet to my poor old friend, my 
noble benefactor. It was in that hope I volunteered my 
services to search for Manuel Montez.” 

‘‘If it be possible you shall find him. Then I suppose 
you would bid farewell to Granada at once and forever.” 

Sir Ildefonse’s eyes were turned away in a dreamy, 
absent look, while a slow smile softened and brightened his 
face. 

“ I should go at once,” replied he at length, “ yet can- 
not promise I should stay away.” 

“ There are attractions for you, then, in our poor city?” 
questioned the prince. 

Sir Ildefonse smiled again as he replied — 

“ Granada will always be beautiful to me, for the star 
which rose upon me here.” 

The prince was silent a long time. 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 


SI 


it should prove that this Manuel Montez is Basilio 
himself, you will have a difficult task before you. He is a 
powerful man, master of many subtle devices, and much 
reverenced by the people, as well as valued by the king. I 
am at a loss to know how you would move.” 

His deep research into science and learning give him 
a hold upon the ignorant people. It was really admirable, 
this performance we witnessed to-day. The picture was 
most wonderful. To be taken thus in a moment, so faith- 
fully. It quite passes my comprehension.” 

While he spoke the knight produced the picture. He 
uttered an exclamation of dismay as he looked at it. There 
was only a plate of dense blackness, the picture had faded 
or been buried beneath the inky pall. 

Prince Azim looked at it with a melancholy smile. 

•^That is Basilio’s great trial. He does not grasp the 
true key yet. His pictures will not last. If the sun obeys 
him as he declares, it likewise mocks him and takes back 
what has been given capriciously. It were a precious for- 
tune, so he could hold the picture perfect. But I shall be 
looked for at the palace. Rest quietly here to-night. I 
will put trusty men upon the scent, and if this Manuel 
Montez is to be found in Granada you shall be brought face 
to face with him.” 

And if Basilio proves to be the man ? ” 

‘^1 will work cautiously, but you shall still obtain your 
wish. There is one, only one, a mysterious shade rather 
than a real person ; from her alone I may learn concerning 
Basilio.” 

‘‘From her, cried Sir Ildefonse, eagerly. “ Is it a wo- 
man — a young girl? if so my object is attained, my quest 
ended.” 

The prince looked at him with wondering eyes, but 
shook his head. 

“ It is not a young girl ? Sometimes I am not sure it is 
a living being at all. But I can learn of Basilio. Let me 
go now. Make yourself at home in the house of Prince 
Azim, and trust him for a true friend,” he added, as he 
rose to leave the room. 


52 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 


CHAPTER VI. 

Prince Azim entered his palanquin and was borne 
swiftly by its turbaned bearers toward the private entrance 
of the Alhambra. When there, he dismounted and passed 
into the great building. A sentinel standing at the door 
made him a profound obeisance, and then gave him a 
quick, significant gesture. The prince looked anxious, and 
hurried through the passageway, where he was met by a tall 
eunuch. 

The king has called for the Princess Xina, and no one 
can find her,” said the eunuch. His majesty is very im- 
patient.” 

The prince hurried on, and was met by the chief of the 
Seraglio. 

‘‘The king is unusually fretful, and impatient of deten- 
tion. Where has the princess gone ? ” exclaimed he, hur- 
rying up to the newcomer, and speaking in a confidential, 
though respectful tone. 

“ I saw her palanquin at the house of Basilic. She is 
too daring and venturesome. Sometime she will try the 
king’s temper too severely, and it will be the ruin of all of 
us.” 

“ Could you go and divert his attention a little time, 
your highness ? ” 

“ Nay; I will find Xina, rather,” answered he, and has- 
tened away. 

Scarcely more than fifteen minutes passed ere the unusual 
flutter and excitement among the Seraglio rulers was dissi- 
pated by the appearance of the princess. 

She stopped to speak an encouraging word to the chief 
eunuch. 

“ Nay, good Dome, do not look so disturbed. I stayed 
a little beyond my time, I grant you, but I have arrived at 
last. Azim has scolded me, and that is enough punish- 
ment. But even had I failed of coming, the prince would 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 


S3 


have exonerated you from blame, and confessed to the Idng 
that it is by his means I get this larger liberty. In which 
saloon waits his majesty? ” 

In the violet room, my princess ; hasten, I pray you,’' 
replied the eunuch. 

She smiled gayly, caught up a satin mantle heavily 
fringed with silver which one of the slaves brought and 
vanished. The violet room was an exquisite, octagon room 
in the seraglio part of the great building. 

The pavement was of squares of pure white marble, al- 
ternating with another richly veined with purple. A fount- 
ain bubbled from an alabaster vase into a marble basin, 
whose edge was filled with soil in which violets were 
blooming. The walls were hung with purple silk, looped 
away here and there with heavy gold cord to show the rich 
arabesque and quaint letters of some Koran text. Only 
two couches, piled with velvet cushions of the same royal 
hue were in the room, and those drawn up at an arched 
window, from which, lovelier than any picture, one be- 
held the matchless scenery of Granada. 

There were hanging lamps of gemmed gold, and golden 
baskets heaped with flowers of every hue, and on a mass- 
ive golden salver, on the one table was heaped a pyramid 
of fruit. Reclining among the cushions of the larger 
couch, with a bunch of grapes beside him, the princess 
found the king. 

She came forward unhesitatingly, bowed twice, and with 
crossed arms waited for him to speak. 

The dark eyes of Ismael wandered over the bright, beau- 
tiful face, the queenly figure, with a fierce, intense, pas- 
sionate gaze. 

^^Xina,” said he, ‘*1 sent for you, and I have waited 
long.” 

Ah, your majesty, I crave pardon. I did not know it. 
I had wandered away from the observation of the seraglio 
chief. I was close at hand, and yet they knew not where 
to find me. What can I do for you, my king ? ” 

Ismael held out his white, jeweled hand, and motioned 
to the pile of cushions before the couch. 

The girl came to them unhesitatingly, sat down there, 
and took in hers the thin white hand, looking anxiously 


54 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 


into the dark, troubled face and the brightly gleaming 
eyes. 

You are ill to-day, your majesty,” she said, in a low- 
voice, dropping her eyes before his impassioned gaze. 

‘‘ Aye, my heart is on fire — Xina, Xina, I cannot con- 
quer it. I love, I adore you. Have done with the idle 
address of ceremony. Call me not your king, Xina, I who 
long to throw myself at your feet. O Xina — Xina, if only 
I could dare to marry you, how gladly I would fling away 
my sceptre and descend even from this throne of Granada 
to attain it. For I love you, I adore you, Xina ! ” 

‘^Hush, oh, Ismael, hush ! ” cried the princess, in a 
voice of deep distress. ^‘You know it must not be ; it 
cannot be. The sacred teachings of the Koran, the laws 
of nature itself, must not be set at defiance.” 

The king groaned and covered his pallid face with his 
hands. Then removing them suddenly he said fiercely — 
^‘It is not nature’s law ; else why is this consuming fire 
in my heart? You know I turn with loathing from the 
caresses of the most beautiful ones in the seraglio, though I 
have sought to find attraction there. It is you, only you, Xina, 
who reign queen of my heart, my thoughts, my very life. 
I have tried pleasure ; I have tried ambition ; I have tried 
every form of excitement ; and I cannot tear my thoughts 
from you, not for a single day or hour.” . : 

‘‘lam sorry,” said the princess, still trembling and drop- 
ping her eyes to hide the slowly gathering tears. 

“ If you would let me go away, Ismael, it might be dif- 
ferent.” 

“ Go away- — and make another happy ? No, no, I swear 
by the beard of my father, by the holy name of Mahomet, 
that shall never be. What I long for, but dare not take, 
shall be kept sacred from all others. You shall never leave 
me, Xina.” 

The princess sat with drooping head and crossed arms, 
very still and pale. 

“Do you love another? Holy Mahomet! it turns my 
blood to molten fire, only to picture such a thing. Speak, 
girl, answer me; do you love any other? ” 

His hand seized her arm with a cruel grip ; his cheek 
was deadly white ; the perspiration stood in drops on his 


. THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 55 

forehead, and his burning black eyes flamed upon her with 
all the fierceness of a maniac. 

Xina raised her drooping eyelids slowly and looked at 
him sadly, praying inwardly that the thrill which stirred 
her heart might not be betrayed by her face. 

How many times have you asked that, Ismael, and how 
often have I answered nay ? Be generous to me in this lit- 
tle. You are king. I am subject, slave, and must obey. 
If it is torture for you, may it not likewise be keen anguish 
for me?*” 

^ ‘ Inshallah ! I am cruel, my precious one. Look up 
and smile. Let me enjoy that at least. Tell me, Xina, 
what can I do to please you ? ’ ’ 

He bent forward as he spoke and smoothed down a glossy 
tress straying over the broad white forehead. 

She looked gravely and wistfully into his face. 

Alas, Sire, there is but one thing thou -leavest me room to 
desire — my liberty.” 

The king shook his head. 

*‘No, Xina; that cannot be. That much of my power, 
I will not use. While it is possible, I will forbear the rest. 
Give me credit for the self control. Allah help me ! it is 
like holding down a volcano.” 

There was a few moments’ deep silence. The king 
strove to dissipate the gravity of the noble face, and spoke 
in a gayer tone. 

Where hast thou been to-day, Xina? I saw your litter 
go forth and flung my blessing after it.” 

‘‘ I have seen Basilio,” answered Xina. 

How cometh on thy lessons? It is well thou takest 
such enjoyment in his learned studies. There is not an- 
other man in Granada, though his beard were white with 
age, to whom I’d dare confide thee. But Basilio is 
wrapt in his studies, and has only thought for them. In- 
shallah ! I tried him one day and he could not say were 
thine eyes colored like the raven’s wing, or tinged with the 
blue of the summer sky.” 

‘^Basilio is deeply engrossed in his science. He can- 
not grasp the secret for which he longs. At least long and 
patient research and experience fail him thus far. So he 
succeeded, his name would go down to posterity and even 


S6 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 


immortalize Granada. Who is Basilio, your majesty ? Was 
he born in Granada ? ’ ’ 

^ ^ In truth, I know not. Mohammed Abenazar, my 
royal father, knew him, and recommended him to my pat- 
ronage. He has served me faithfully, most of all in his 
care of you, my Xina. He has taught thee to excel all 
my nobles in wisdom, as thou surpassest every Moorish 
maiden in beauty. O Xina, Xina, if thou wert only the 
daughter of the poorest noble or peasant in Granada, how 
quickly the Alhambra should rejoice for its queen.” 

He was bending toward her, his face glowing, his eyes 
flaming. 

Xina drew back gently but decidedly. 

‘‘Thou art feverish and restless, Ismael. Let me sing 
thee to sleep.” 

‘ ‘ As thou wilt, only thou must remain by my side ; thou 
must hold my hand in thine.” 

The princess knelt down, lightly resting her fair hand on 
his, and began a low, soothing hymn. Her voice was rich 
and deep ; but she did not raise it to high notes, her only 
object being to calm and soothe. 

Presently the glittering eyes lost their feverish glare ; the 
red flush paled on his dark cheek ; softly and slowly, but 
steadily, his eyelids fell, and in half an hour he was fast 
asleep. 

Then the rich voice ceased. Xina cautiously disengaged 
her hand, rose from her kneeling posture, and began walk- 
ing to and fro, with bowed head and drooping eyelids, 
through which the tears slipped quietly and dropped un- 
heeded on the silken mantle. 

Without she heard the measured tramp of the guard, 
keeping faithful watch around the king’s retirement. With- 
in was only the splash of the fountain, and the calm, even 
breathing of the sleeping monarch. 

Bitter and angry emotions seemed to gain possession of 
her, for her cheek grew hot, her breast rose and fell in quick 
pulsations, and her eye turned fiercely toward the still figure 
lying amid the purple cushions. 

Once a fierce smile curled her scarlet lip, and she drew 
out the gemmed, gold-set dagger thrust into the golden 
girdle around her waist, and looked at it questioningly, with 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 


S7 


a wild significant glance toward the unconscious king. Then 
she shook her head, shuddered and threw the dagger from 
her. 

When the king awoke she was sitting beside him, cold 
and pale and calm. A summons to the Hall of Ambassa- 
dors gave her release, and she fled away to the seraglio de- 
partment, into which Prince Azim had access, and from 
which the latter presently emerged, looking very grave and 
anxious. 

If Princess Xina could learn nothing from the king,” 
murmured he, what hope is there that Prince Azim will 
obtain aught to break the tangle from Basilio himself? I 
must call upon the ghostly woman to help me. I will set 
the signal which she promised should bring her to my 
presence at the midnight hour.” 

The prince did not return at once to his home. He 
visited several elderly members of the Moorish nobility, and 
industriously sought for some proofs of the presence of 
Manuel Montez in the city of Granada. But all in vain. 
He returned home thoughtful and grave, but not dis- 
couraged. 

knew the strange, midnight visitor was my chief 
hope,” he said. I have faith that she wilPaid me to keep 
my promise to this noble knight.” 

Accordingly at dead midnight Prince Azim stood in 
silence leaning against the pillared vestibule at the entrance 
of his palace, and was startled when a dark figure glided up 
to him, and a hand was laid warningly on his. 

I am here; you have called me; what will you 
have? ” said a sad, weary voice. 

Come in. I would speak privately with you. I need 
your help,” answered the Prince, leading the way to his 
private apartment. 

Once there, he extinguished the lights, leaving but one 
feeble flame to dispense its dim radiance and motioned the 
closely veiled, carefully cloaked figure to take a seat 

The veiled head bowed acknowledgment, although the 
courtesy was not accepted. 

You need me,” exclaimed the stranger — for whom ? ” 

For the Spanish knight sojourning in Granada/^ replied 
the prince promptly. 


58 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 


There was a quiver of agitation in the voice which spoke 
next. 

How is that ? I gave you warning concerning Basilio’s 
evil intentions. What further need can there be ? ” 

He comes to find one Manuel Montez. Some secret 
intuition assures me that you can point him out to me.” 

There was a little moan of pain, and the veil fluttered as 
from a gasping breath. 

<^Who is this knight? Why has he taken up this 
quest? ” demanded the unknown. 

I know not. I have not pressed his confidence.” 

I must know before I can answer. Where is he 
now ? ’ ’ 

Asleep upon his couch, without doubt,” replied the 
prince. 

Let me see him ; let me look upon his face, and read 
what is written there.” 

There was a wild eagerness in the voice which made the 
prince say, doubtfully — 

You would read only what is good and noble — promise 
you would not harm him.” 

Have I not already saved him from Basilio’s evil in- 
tent? I ask only to see my way clear.-^’ 

Come, then, lightly. I will lead you to his door, and 
you may look upon his sleeping face. I bade him bar his 
door, but he refused.” 

Taking a small lamp in his hand, and lighting it from 
the other, the prince motioned the unknown one to follow 
him. The prince had taken care to have the servants of 
the house safely asleep, and they passed noiselessly and un- 
molested to the chamber of the knight. 

The prince drew back at the door and allowed his mys- 
terious companion to proceed. 

Sir Ildefonse slept peacefully. The light of the lamp 
carried in the intruder’s hand showed his tranquil face. 
One arm was flung carelessly upward, and the loose sleeve 
had ‘been pushed away so it was bare to the elbow. 

The gazer gave a violent start, set down the lamp, and 
bent over the arm. A small arrow piercing a heart was 
pricked into the skin with some indelible liquid, The 
row was red and the heart black, 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 


59 


As the wild eyes peering through the veil perceived this, 
a convulsive trembling came over the whole form. The 
veil was flung aside by a quick, impatient hand, the same 
worn, strangely interesting, mournful face that had emerged 
from Basilio^s house on that first night, was bent down 
close to Sir Ildefonse’s unconscious countenance, while his 
brow and hair and features were examined with a strange 
blending of delirious joy and passionate grief. 

So noble, so handsome, so grand ! And come hither 
on this quest. Oh wonderful mysterious fate ! ’’ murmured 
the quivering voice. 

Then an angry glare gleamed out from the large, dark 
eyes. 

And Basilio would have murdered him. Twice ac- 
cursed, how steeped in crime would have been his haughty 
soul ! But I spared him that horror. And this is he. O, 
how I have yearned and longed for, and dreaded this meet- 
ing, and it has come at last.” 

She fell down upon her knees, the tears pouring over the 
wasted cheeks, her breast heaving with uncontrollable agi- 
tation. 

The sobs, so close beside him, accomplished what her 
careful entrance had avoided. Sir Ildefonse woke sud- 
denly, and opened his eyes upon the kneeling figure, the 
agitated voice beside him. 

He sprang up, demanding in astonishment — 

Who are you ? Why are you here ? ” 

She turned paler still but smiled mournfully. 

I am a friend, the best friend you have in Granada. I 
came to look upon your sleeping face, meaning not to 
awaken you, or leave a vestige of my visit. And yet it 
may be as well otherwise.” 

‘ ‘ I know you not. I never looked upon your face be- 
fore,” exclaimed the astonished knight. 

The more the pity.; and yet I am your friend. I alone 
of all Granada except one, and he would kill rather than 
help you.” 

It is very strange,” stammered Sir Ildefonse. 

Aye, it is all strange, a mysterious tangle; and yet it 
is soon unraveled. You come from Spain. How left you 
the Count Montholia? ” 


6o 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 


The count, you know him then?” said the knight; 
more bewildered than ever. 

‘‘Aye; I knew him once. He is still alive? he sent 
you hither to find his lost treasure? ” 

“Can you help me?” demanded Sir Ildefonse, seizing 
her hand. 

“ I can, and I will,” in a solemn tone. 

“ May all the saints bless you ! ” ejaculated the knight. 
“ Can you show me that villain? can you point out Manuel 
Montez to my good sword ? ” 

“ Did you come for revenge, or for restitution? In your 
benefactor’s name, I ask it.” 

“ For restitution, first of all; but methinks it would fitly 
end the matter if that dastardly wretch were well pun- 
ished.” 

“ Not by you. Promise me here that he shall be safe 
from your hand. I warn you, if harm comes to him 
through your means, undying remorse will follow you 
through life. His avenging ghost will haunt your brightest 
hours, will poison the sweetest cup that your lips seek to 
drain. Heed my words ; they are those of your best 
friend.” 

“This is marvelous,” -murmured Sir Ildefonse in per- 
plexity. “Leave Basilio in peace and yet gain my ob- 
ject?” 

“You have guessed so much then. You know that Ba- 
silio and Manuel are one and the same? ” she demanded, 
bending toward him earnestly. 

“Yes, with Prince Azim’s help, I have suspected him. 
If you know all, wherefore I come, how then can you bid 
me spare the villain the punishment he deserves? ” 

“ I said not you should not foil him — thwart his evil in- 
tentions, ruin his plans, defeat his hopes, gain all your ob- 
jects in venturing to Granada — but lift not your hand 
against him, oh, noble knight — well worthy the care and 
affection of the kind-hearted, honorable Count Montholia 
— that thou art ! I see that thou bringest no shame to thy 
protector. All good influences be praised that thou hast 
not abused his generous benefactions, that he need not re- 
gret his kindness.” 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA, 


6l 


‘‘Who art thou?” cried the knight, staring at her in 
amazement. 

The large tears dripped over the wan cheek ; the thin 
hands were clasped in agonized emotion, as she faltered — 

‘ ‘ Ask me not. Be content to know I am your friend ; 
that I know every hope of your heart, that I am working 
with you.” 

“ Every hope,” repeated Sir Ildefonse. “ Nay, not every 
hope. It may be in some mysterious manner, thou hast 
learned all the particulars of the Count’s undertaking ; but 
thou must indeed possess more than mortal power to have 
read my own heart.” 

A slow smile, like the sunlight glinting through parting 
clouds on a wintry scene, stole across the grief-worn face. 

“ The two are more closely entwined than you believe. 
Accomplish one and the other is possible,” said she. “ Did 
I not say I knew all? every hope of thy brave and daring 
heart ? Ildefonse, think’st thou I mistrust not the wild 
love so suddenly enkindled? that I do not know how thy 
heart leaps at the name so jealously guarded in Granada ? 
at the very thought even of the Princess Xina ? ’ ’ 

The rich blood leaped to the broad forehead of the 
knight, as he again demanded — 

“In the name of the saints, who art thou ? ” 

“ Thy friend, Ildefonse ; thy real and trusty friend. Ask 
no more, but heed my advice. Be watchful and wary in 
the presence of the Wizard of Granada. He knows where- 
fore thou hast come ; that success for thee is ruin for him- 
self and his plans. He will scruple at no deed, however 
dark and murderous, if it will sweep thee from his path. 
But thou hast true friends. Prince Azim will guard thee ; 
the princess secretly watches over thy safety, and, best of 
all, thou hast my vigilant services, which spy day and 
night upon Basilio’s movements. Only beware that no look 
or word of thine gives offence to the king. From his power 
there is no appeal. And once Ismael suspected thy love for 
the princess thy head would touch the block, ere the sun of 
that day should set ! ” 

“But how can I work as I promised? Every day I 
linger is anguish for that poor, heart-broken benefactor of 
mine. If I can only find his child and hasten away with 


62 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA, 


her, I will yield to your judgment, and leave Basilio to the 
punishment of his own conscience. But now I am certain 
of nothing ; not even of the count’s daughter in Granada ; 
or if here, what miserable circumstances may surround her ; 
every hour of delay seems cruelty to me.” 

Set your heart at rest. She is safe, and in Granada. 
You have the description of the mark put upon her at her 
birth. Basilio read it ; so did 1. 1 have found the girl.” 

Now may heaven bless you. How will it rejoice the 
stricken heart of that poor old man. Where is she ? where 
shall I find her?” 

^‘She is in the Alhambra, in the suite of the Princess 
Xina. Tell the princess your whole story without fear, and 
describe her birth mark. She will know then the stolen 
child of Count Montholia and will doubtless help you to 
procure her escape. ’ ’ 

You speak as if I were able to procure an interview 
with the princess,” said the knight. 

What has come to pass once, is likely to occur again,” 
returned the mysterious woman, holding up a long, thin 
finger chidingly. Wrong not your own frank spirit by 
seeking to hide aught from me, knight of Spain. You 
shall have good proof that I am your friend.” 

I will not doubt you. My heart r' aks up and claims 
you ! ” exclaimed Sir Ildefonse, holding his hand. 

She caught it between both hers, cc -ered it w^'th wild 
kisses, and wilder tears, turned hastily and darted from the 
room. Sir Ildefonse threw on the fringed tunic, the only 
garment he had removed upon retiring, and followed 
hastily after her. 

Nothing was to be seen ; all was profound quiet. Not 
contented with looking through the corridor, he passed 
down and out to the vestibule. Prince Azim was leaning 
there, grave and thoughtful. 

‘^Have you seen her pass? a woman in a gray wrap, 
with a veil over her head?” demanded the knight, 
eagerly. 

Was it a woman, or a ghost, a shade? ” responded the 
Prince. I have been puzzling myself trying to dis- 
cover.” 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 63 

But you saw her? She knows everything. She will 
help me on my quest. ’ ’ 

I thought she would, my friend. Whether mortal or 
otherwise, I was sure she could aid you, if any only could. 
She glided by me, as I stood in the corner, like a passing 
cloud or a spectral shade. She has gone, wither I cannot 
tell. I only know Basilio’s secret doors open for her as 
readily as to their master. It is fortunate for you that she 
is your friend. Inshallah ! it is fortunate.” 

would I had asked her more,” said Sir Ildefonse, 
looking forth wistfully into the starlight. 

I think you may trust her ; she will come to you if it 
is necessary. Now then, let us return to our couches, or 
the morning will find us with dull eyes, and the king has 
ordered your presence at the Alhambra.” 

would fain be excused,” said the knight. 

Ah, but excuse from the summons of the king is impos- 
sible. You were wise to heed that truth. He is disposed 
to deal graciously with you ; do^not change this mood, for 
he is hot and impetuous in anger.” 

will return to my chamber, then, and seek to woo 
slumber, for lam sure it will not come readily. A strange 
gloom has fallen upon me,” said the knight, turning back. 


CHAPTER VII. 

Early in the day came the royal summons to the 
Alhambra. Prince Azim accompanied his guest, and at 
the gate-way they met Basilio coming forth. There was a 
fierce flash in his eye as he bowed to the knight, which 
startled the prince. 

‘‘What’s amiss? ” exclaimed the latter. “ I know that 
evil flash of Basilio’s eye; it means mischief.” 

“ There has been a heavy weight on my own spirit, fore- 
boding calamity. I would I had brought Alana. We too, 
with our trusty blades, would meet whatever fate comes 
manfully.” 

“Hush, dare not draw your sword in the King’s pres- 
ence, at any provocation, Remember that. We will 


64 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA, 


manage to rescue you, whatever betide ; but a rash word or 
movement might draw upon you instant doom.” 

I would I might settle any such difficulty with mine 
own right arm. Which of these vast piles belong to the 
seraglio?” 

Yonder to the right. Why do you look so wistfully 
thither? ” 

If I knew myself, I should hardly venture to say. But 
here is the royal usher. We shall know the truth soon.” ^ 

The king was seated on his throne, and Prince Azim 
looked anxious again, as he perceived he was surrounded 
by a triple guard of soldiers. Whispering renewed caution 
in regard to his behaviour, he left the knight, and took his 
place among the courtiers. 

Ildefonse bowed respectfully, and remained silent and 
motionless, in grave dignity, though he felt the searching 
eye of the king upon his face. 

^‘We give thee greeting, valiant knight from Spain,” 
said Ismael in a slightly mocking voice. ^ ^ A few more 
questions concerning thine errand to Granada may not 
prove amiss. When thou tookst thy leave of the dominions 
of the King of Castile, how left thou the country ? In 
peace and quiet, or were there sounds of beating anvils and 
busy notes of warlike preparation ? ” 

‘‘In truth, your majesty, I heard not the faintest rumor 
of war,” replied Ildefonse eagerly. 

The king looked back at the courtiers and smiled darkly. 

“You are sure? your memory is not treacherous ? Don 
Pedro, the uncle of the king, had whispered no ambitious 
hints in the ears of the youthful Don Juan? ” 

“ None vAffiatever, according to knowledge of mine,” re- 
plied the knight. 

Ismael’s dark face flushed angrily. He struck down his 
sceptre firmly. 

“ Dog of a Spaniard, thou liest ! By Allah, am I to be 
bearded to my very throne ? I haA^e good proof that the 
armies are being mustered, and that thy reckless country- 
men Avill march directly upon Granada. She is too bright 
a gem to be left unmolested. The ambitious Infanta of 
Castile \vould pluck her from the Moorish rule to set her in 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA, 65 

his crown. Let them try. By the beard of Mahomet, let 
them try.” 

Ildefonse stood overwhelmed by the importance of the 
information, and the danger which his quick mind per- 
ceived must ensue to himself. 

I can hardly credit such news, your majesty. Are you 
certain some one has not purposely deceived you? When 
I left Castile, I heard not the faintest rumor of such mon- 
strous tidings.” 

^^Dog of a Spaniard. I say thou best. See, behold, the 
treachery is here ! The instructions given thee, were con- 
cealed in a belt around thy waist. My trusty Basilio took 
good care to learn thine errand. Thou art a spy to hunt 
out the weak defences of Granada, and report to thy das- 
tardly king. Holy Mahomet ! that such daring insolence 
should venture into the Alhambra ! ” 

Instinctively, at the mention of the belt around his waist, 
Sir Ildefonse had started, and thrust his hand into his 
doublet. It was good proof to the Moors of his guilt. A 
low murmur rose from them in response to the king’s 
hoarse imprecation. 

Aye, unbelieving dog, it is too late. Think you to cheat 
the sovereign of Granada with an unmeaning story ? Idle 
pleasure, indeed ! You came as a spy for those greedy, 
Spanish invaders.” 

Sir Ildefonse had gained calmness during this fierce 
tirade. He folded his hands gravely, but looked up fear- 
lessly into the king’s ireful face. 

‘‘ King of Granada,” cried he, I swear to you by my 
hopes of heaven, by my knightly honor, which has never 
known stain of treachery like this, I came hither for mine 
own private ends and to serve no king, no warlike cause. If 
there be such movement in Castile, and much indeed I 
doubt the truth of the assertion, word or sign or hint of it 
has not come to ear of mine.’'’ 

There was a simple dignity, a grand, heroic air about the 
knight that impressed all present. Even the king looked 
for the moment puzzled and doubtful, and played nerv- 
ously with his sceptre. 

A tall figure glided through an arched doorway. 

Your illustrious majesty possesses the paper taken from 

5 


66 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA, 


his belt,” said the voice of Basilio, and though even that 
may lie, here is witness to corroborate the accusation.” 

Behind him came a Moorish peasant ; his garments travel- 
stained and dusty, his face frightened and wild. He 
prostrated himself at the foot of the throne. 

‘‘Beloved of the prophet, chosen of Allah, great mighti- 
ness of Granada,” gasped the new comer. “ The Spaniards 
have invaded Granada. Their victorious legions sweep all 
before them. They aim toward this city; and Don Pedro 
swears they will rest not, until the Alhambra owns them as 
it masters. I have rode my noble Selim to his death that 
Granada might be roused. The ruler of the outer province 
follows me to give assurance of the truth of my tidings.” 

No one doubted that he spoke truly, not even Sir Ilde- 
fonse. The scared, affrighted face bore witness for itself. 

Ismael’s face was livid with rage. He flung the golden 
sceptre down, and springing to his feet shouted — 

“ Ho, every man to work. The sceptre must give place 
to the scimetar in the hands of Ismael. Our throne is threat- 
ened. Allah will be with us. Away, gather horses and 
men. Call out the captain of our forces ; let all provisions 
be made for our need. To-morrow’s earliest beams must 
see us marching to meet this insolent foe.” 

He was passing hastily down the steps, when Basilio’s 
hand touched his arm. 

“ The spy, my liege, you have not sentenced the spy.” 

“You are right, good Basilio. We will despatch one 
enemy at least. They shall not profit by his tidings. Ho, 
guards, away with him to the block.” 

The guards sprang forward, but Sir Ildefonse was quicker 
than they. With his bright blade whirling in his hand, he 
sprang forward, and leaped to a high window. 

“ Touch me not; the first who lays hand upon me falls 
at my feet a bleeding corpse. King of Granada, listen to 
me. Basilio is my enemy. He has craftily taken advantage 
of these evil tidings to work my ruin, and to thrust me 
from his path. I can no longer doubt that the reckless Cas- 
tilians are moving on Granada; but I swear to you this is 
my first knowledge of it, and it gives me keen pain. I am 
no spy of theirs. Keep me here confined, if you will, and 
make sure that no word of mine goes to them. But to the 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA, 


67 


block I will never go. Ignominious death like that is not 
for a knight whose own untarnished blade can give him 
quiet exit from the world. Advance your guards, and I 
plunge the blade into my own breast ; but my blood will 
cry out against you, for I am innocent of your accusation.” 

The king stood paralyzed with astonishment at this 
daring. Basilio rhoved again toward him, but suddenly 
Prince Azim thrust him aside. 

My liege, I have a favor to ask; nay, two of them. 
First, that I may go with you to battle, and second, that 
we may go with no ill omens, or doubtful hearts. If the 
man is innocent, as from my soul I believe he is, his blood 
would fling a curse after us to shadow our victory. Let us 
deal honorable and give fair trial to a stranger in Granada, 
even though that stranger be a Castilian. Put him under 
guard until our return, my king and brother.” 

The boy speaks with sense,” exclaimed Ismael. ^^But 
thou must not leave the city, Azim. Thou wilt hold com- 
mand in my absence. Come down, then, venturesome Cas- 
tilian ; the strongest dungeon of the fortress shall guard 
thee till we return in victory. Nay, Basilio, no more, my 
command is given.” 

Prince Azim’s youthful face was deadly pale, but he 
flashed a proud smile into Basilio’s wrathful eyes as the 
knight slowly sheathed his sword, and leaped lightly down 
from the dangerous position. 

The guards closed around him. Sir Ildefonse sought in 
vain for another look from the prince ; but he was evidently 
entirely engrossed in the eager discussion which ensued 
concerning the best method of attacking the enemy, and 
the knight was led away, closely surrounded by guards, and 
placed in a terribly strong and gloomy dungeon far under 
ground. 

The jailor had brought Sir Ildefonse a small tray of 
coarse food, but he had not touched it, from a vague suspi- 
cion of Basilio’s malignant meddling. 

^M’ll not die by poison of his, like a rat in a hole,” 
muttered he, and denied himself even the draught of water 
his thirsty lips craved. 

I shall go mad if I am left here in solitude for many 
days,” muttered he, striking his clenched fist against the 


68 THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 

wall in impotent wrath. It seems as if it were many days 
already, and I know the morning has not yet dawned. Oh, 
that I could be set again in their midst, and try a dash for 
freedom. ’ ’ 

While he spoke, he started and listened eagerly. There 
was a hollow echo as of far-off steps. Slowly, too, a small 
ray of light crept through the great * key-hole, and like a 
ministering spirit dispersed the inky blackness of the dun- 
geon. 

Some one comes,” muttered the knight, grasping the 
sword no one of the guard had dared offer to take from 
him. 

^'Be it friend or foe, I give them welcome. Anything 
rather than this horrible solitude.” 

He stood haughtily upright, the trusty blade in his right 
hand, while a slow touch fitted the massive key in the lock. 
It turned tantalizingly and tardily. Then a closely mantled 
figure stepped in, and the door closed again, the key clicked 
in its lock, and steps without moved away. 

Have they brought you, my trusty Alana to share my 
prison? Right welcome will you be to your hapless mas-, 
ter, though I would rather you were safely back in Castile,” 
spoke the knight eagerly, his eyes blinded by the torch 
which the intruder carried. 

It is not Alana,” said a voice muffled by the thick scarf 
wrapped about the head. 

‘‘ Who then? ” demanded Ildefonse, his eyes becoming 
used to the lightc 

The mantle was flung off and a dark, haughty face con- 
fronted him. 

^‘Basilio ! ” ejaculated Ildefonse. 

‘ ‘ Aye, Basilio, meddlesome boy, come to show you your 
fate,” replied the wizard, in a voice of smothered anger, 
ask it not of you,” returned Ildefonse, coldly. 

'‘Why did you not heed the warning of the wizard? 
You might have returned safely to Castile, but now you die 
the death of a dog.” 

" I may return. I may die here. It lies not with you 
to decide the question.” 

"Haughty youth! Know you not my power? Why 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 69 

are you here?'^ cried Basilio, stung to deeper rage by the 
knight’s calmness. 

Your foul lies have brought me here, and yet I fear 
you not. In this dungeon we are man to man. It is you 
who should quake. Why may I not send your guilty soul 
this moment from its craven tenement? ” 

Basilio caught his breath gaspingly. 

Beard me not, rash youth, else I slay you where you 
stand.” And he drew out a glittering dagger. 

Ildefonse laughed contemptuously. 

What is that woman’s plaything before the sweep of 
my good sword? Man, it is you who are rash to venture 
here ! ” 

‘‘ Your sword ! Have the fools left you that? ” muttered 
Basilio. 

“Ah, you thought to frighten an unarmed man. But 
your game is lost. My sword is here — take it who dares.” 

“Give o’er this idle menace and listen to me,” said 
Basilio, more calmly. “Your death is certain. Ismael 
has vowed to give you to the headsman on his return. The 
influence of Prince Azim went no farther than this. He 
would not go forth with a bad omen for his success with 
the Castilians. His belief in your guilt has deepened. 
Your fate is inevitable 1 ” 

“ Well, why have you taken so much pains to come and 
tell me this?” 

“ Because it lies in my power to save you. Promise me 
on your knightly honor, to abandon this adventure ; to fly 
at once, and I will give you means of escape.” 

“Never! I can die, but I cannot break my word. I 
promised Count Montholio to do my best, and I will do it ; 
so help me heaven 1 ” 

“ Curses upon your obstinacy 1 ” muttered Basilio, “you 
dare your doom. You cannot succeed — you will learn 
nothing.” 

“I have already learned the whole,” cried out Ildefonse 
exultantly. “I know you well, Manuel Montez, and I 
know that the Alhambra holds the daughter of Count 
Montholia.” 

“You know so much,” cried out Basilio, blue in the 
lips with passion,” then, indeed, your doom is sealed.” 


70 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 


Saying which he turned and threw the great mantle 
around him, taking with one hand a vial from his bosom, 
and holding it cautiously, he rapped three times with the 
dagger on the door. 

Ildefonse stood still, shaken from head to foot with agi- 
tation. 

might end the matter here. I might throttle him 
where he stands, and my enemy is beyond power of harm- 
ing me. If I had not promised — if I had not* promised 1 ” 

The slow steps of the jailor were heard. In a moment 
more the great door was cautiously opened. Basilio stepped 
aside, extinguishing his torch, at the same moment he 
emptied the contents of the vial into the bowl of water 
standing on the bench, and departed. 

The knight sat down on the dungeon floor, and buried 
his face in his hands. Then he lifted his head. 

‘‘It is likely by this visit I can make sure he meddled 
not with the food which is already here. I cannot say the 
same of that which will come in future. It were wise to 
strengthen myself for what is in store for me — and I am 
tormented with such thirst.” 

He groped his way to the bench, found the bowl and 
drank half its contents. In the same blind fashion he found 
the hard bread and ate it slowly. 

He had hardly finished before the jailor's steps were once 
more heard in cautious approach. 

“ A second trial. Does he come to wrench my sword 
away ? I will sell my life dearly,” muttered Sir Ildefonse. 

The door was again unlocked, and again a shrouded fig- 
ure came dazing the gloom with the blinding torch. 

“ I am ready for you ! and this distardly assault absolves 
me from my promise. One of us must die ! ” cried Ilde- 
fonse fiercely. 

But the mantle fell away and showed him, not Basilio’ s 
fierce, milignant face, but the sad, pale, ineffably tender 
countenance of the Princess Xina. 

“Princess Xina ! ” ejaculated Ildefonse, dropping upon 
one knee and touching his lips reverently to the fair white 
hand. 

“Oh !' Ildefonse, rash, gallant knight of Castile. What 
can I say to comfort you ? ’ ’ cried the Princess, glancing 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 7 1 

around the dismal cell, and shuddering with tender com- 
passion. 

Say that you love me, noble Xina,” pleaded the knight, 
rising from his knee. 

I do ; I do ; you have won my heart despite my best 
efforts,” sobbed the princess, dropping her head to his shoul- 
der. 

Ildefonse folded his arm around her. 

Now there is no king upon his throne so happy as Ilde- 
fonse in this di'eary prison. Sweet Xina, though they lead 
me to my death, I am happy.” 

Her hot tears flowed still, and it was a long time before 
she could calm herself. 

Ildefonse, with tender thoughtfulness, made no useless at- 
tempt to soothe her. He only lifted to his lips the trem- 
bling hands, and waited for her to speak. 

She wiped away her tears, with a gesture of sorrowful 
impatience and turned to him her own queenly self. 

Ildefonse,” said she, teach it to me, this grand, he- 
roic resignation qf thine ; for I see no way save of bitter- 
ness and parting for this unwise love of ours, and my heart 
seems ready to die within me.” 

I was despairing and forlorn myself until you came ; 
yet now I am both glad and hopeful. If there can only 
be a way of escape from this prison, I think I can manage 
all.” 

That is very little of my distress. I am sure I can 
bring you forth safely, but it will only be to say farewell 
forever.” 

Leave me here, then, gracious Xina, and come some- 
time to brighten the darkness ; that will be better than a 
princely home and thou afar. Only find a child in your 
train of servants and send her back to Castile, that the 
Count may gain his desire.” 

A child in my train ? ” repeated Xina in amazement. 
^Hs it for that, you have ventured into all this peril? ” 

‘Otis. Listen, and you will wonder not. You have 
not heard how I was taken, a friendless babe, and reared by 
this noble Count Montholia, and given all the tender affec- 
tion and* every privilege of a son. I knew that there was 
some sore grief in his life, some woful experience in the 


72 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 


past, but only a little time gone was I made aware of his 
heavy trial. He was far older than the wife he won ; but 
his noble spirit, his generous heart won her away from a 
younger and handsomer rival, who vowed vengeance with 
all the fierceness of an evil, implacable nature. The Count 
was called to court one day, and left his wife and her week- 
old babe in his castle, and rode off, taking with him most 
of his retainers to add to the brilliance of some royal pro- 
cession. He came back to find his wife in convulsions from 
which she never recovered, not even to speak a farewell 
word, and his child missing. The nurse and maid attend- 
ants had both left the room of the Countess, suddenly 
called away by a wild scream in the court-yard. When 
they returned, after an unavailing search for the cause of 
disturbance, they found a long window at the balcony wide 
open, the cradle of the babe empty, and their mistress in a 
dead faint on the floor. No certain explanation ever came, 
but the stricken Count always believed that it was the work 
of the revengeful rival who disappeared. Strict search was 
made, and at length a little skeleton, with clothing recog- 
nized as that upon tfie babe, was dragged from the moat, 
and futher investigation was dropped. 

The Count could not bear any allusion to his lost treas- 
ures. It was soon after that I was left at his gate, by whom 
none could tell. He adopted me, gave himself up to war- 
like pursuits, and himself knighted me when I was able to 
claim the honor. Only a few weeks before I left Castile he 
received a strange communication from Granada, telling 
him that his child did not die, that she was still alive, and 
in this city. All the father flamed up at this unlocked 
revelation. He was ill, confined to his bed, but he sent for 
me, and laying his hands upon me in a solemn blessing, 
bade me take up the quest as becomes a true knight, and 
bring his daughter to close his dying eyes. Could I fal- 
ter? could I refuse, though the task were tenfold more 
perilous ? 

<^No, no,” called the princess, smiling proudly upon him 
through her wet eyes. It was like you, my Ildefonse, 
to come. Where is the child ? You shall have her, though 
she were one of the king’s banquet maidens.” 

have been assured that she is in your train. The 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA, 


n 

Count told me there was proof beyond any doubt. He 
himself had stamped upon his babe’s arm the crest of his 
wife, and his own family symbol. I should find a rose 
bound on a deer’s neck, in an oval shield. No one but they 
two had known of the act ; no one else would be likely to 
adopt so odd a symbol.” 

He paused, for the princess suddenly uttered a low cry, 
and looked up into his face with wild, imploring eyes. 

Again, say it again. A rose ” 

^‘A rose bound upon a deer’s neck ; the shield oval,” 
repeated Ildefonse, wcnderingly. 

She sprang away from his encircling embrace, tore away 
the silken sleeve and bared to him a round, symmetrical 
arm, clasped here and there with massive gold bands. 

Look, Ildefonse, beloved of my soul; well might my 
heart respond to thine ; well might I loathe and detest the 
Moslem’s caress. Behold, thou hast found the daughter of 
thy benefactor,” cried Xina, weeping and smiling, ere she 
flung herself again into his arms, 

Ildefonse was staring at the polished arm. There in 
truth, still indelible, was the oval shield, and the deer with 
the rose bound on his neck. 

Beloved, beloved ! ” replied he, joyfully, when at 
length he could realize the truth. All the saints be praised 
for this mercy. Knowest thou thy own name ? There is 
no Moslem taint clinging to it, sweet; it has a sacred signifi- 
cance. Christina, Countess Montholio? Heaven send 
that I may present thee to my noble benefactor. Thou wilt 
go now? Nothing can hold thee here now?” he asked 
fondly. 

She looked into his face wearily. 

think we be foolish children, Ildefonse. Is not this 
a prison? and will not Ismael greet this as joyful news, 
counting it no longer a marvel that his heart has turned to 
me so passionately ? How can we go ? Indeed mine own 
will will not hinder, but rather lend wings like the wind.” 

Let us consult together. We have no secrets now. I 
have wonderful courage remembering my strange visitor last 
night at Prince Azim’s. She bade me tell thee of the object 
of my search, and of this mark. Truly, she knew the 
whole. She will help us, and the Prince, too, will aid us.” 


H 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA, 


Yes,” returned Xina, slowly ; the Prince must aid us, 
and the mysterious woman may. But we have the king 
against us, and Basilio, and all these guards and officers of 
Ismael’s will be scattered throughout the province. My 
heart sure fails me.” 

^‘And mine leaps gladly and hopefully. Find that 
strange woman — the prince will know how. Between you 
I am certain he will discover a safe plan.” 

The Princess Xina started, and listened a moment. 

Hark ! some one comes. It can hardly be the jailor, 
for he was to wait for my signal.” 

What if it should be the king ? ” 

Nay, he is mounting his steed by this time. I clasped 
his helmet and buckled his mail. They were to start before 
the appointed hour, lest by some means the news of his ap- 
proach should reanh the Castilians. Hark ! that is surely 
Basilio’s voice. Of all others he is the last I should wish 
to meet.” 

She turned away, drawing the mantle closely around her, 
and shrinking into the corner of the cell behind the open- 
ing door. 

Basilio came in armed and clad in a coat of mail. He 
glanced hastily at the bowl of water and smiled exult- 
antly. 

How now, valiant knight? I came to. bid thee fare- 
well ere I am off for battle. I will smite with double 
force on every Castilian head, remembering thy inso- 
lence.” 

May every Spanish battle-axe be wielded skilfully; so 
thou may’st not return to fling thy empty boasts into a pris- 
oner’s face. Away with thee ! let me look no longer on 
your face.” 

‘‘You will have your wish presently. Your eyes will 
speedily close to all earthly sights. I see you have been 
thirsty in my absence. I emptied my vial therein when I 
was here last. I hope it hath wrought well, for it held 
the Wizard of Granada’s magical elixir, which will carry 
straight to the unknown world. It is the deadliest poi- 
son. No power on earth can save you, so you have 
drank it.” 

There was a horrible exultation in his tone. 


THE^ WIZARD OF GRANADA. 


75 


“Cowardly villain!” ejaculated Ildefonse. “I defy 
and abhor you, though I have swallowed your accursed 
poison.” 

Basilio laughed in hideous triumph. 

There came a low shriek from behind the door, and Xina 
sprang forward and seized the knight’s hand. 

“You have not taken it, Ildefonse, say you have not 
drank of it? ” shrieked she. 

Basilio glared at her fiercely. 

“The Princess Xina here in the cell of the Castilian 
knight ! That is a comfortable piece of news to tell the 
king.” 

“It is not the Moorish princess,” cried Ildefonse, defi- 
antly. “It is the Countess Christina.” 

“ Ildefonse, Ildefonse,” cried Xina, heeding nothing 
else, clinging to his hands and bedewing them with tears, 
“ tell me that you have not drank his deadly poison.” 

“ Beloved one, what matter? Gladden not his eyes with 
sight of your distress,” said Ildefonse, tenderly. 

Unmindful of the ferocious, maddened looks of Basilio, 
she flung herself into his arms, murmuring her words of 
passionate endearment. 

“You love him? dare not say you love him ! ” shrieked 
the wizard. 

Xina lifted her stately head and turned upon him her 
pale face, her eyes glittering with scorn. 

“ Aye, I love him. I would rather die on his heroic 
breast, than live in luxury and pomp with any monarch — 
than share an endless paradise with such as you.” 

The ineffable scorn blazing from her eyes seemed to 
pierce Basilio to the heart. 

“Forbear, forbear,” he cried in anguish. “Xina, 
Xina, have I not taught you patiently ? Have I not hu- 
mored your slightest wishes, when their accomplishment 
seemed hopeless ? Have I not been a true friend ? protect- 
ing you from the passion of the king, working, scheming, 
living alone for you ? ” 

Her lip curled in proud contempt. 

“Working, scheming — wherefore, Basilio? Thinkest 
thou mine eyes have been blind ? Thinkest thou all the 
talk of fatherly care and affection masked successfully the 


76 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA, 


absurd infatuation beneath? You have chided me for 
shrinking from you, it was because I read your heart 
aright.” 

You knew then that I loved you more passionately and 
devotedly than these capricious youths have power to guess. 
Xina, Xina, how could I help it, when you have been grow- 
ing up before me in all the loveliness that won my heart in 
your mother ? I have power beyond anything, you dream. 
You detest the restraint of a Moorish seraglio. You pine 
for freedom. Come to me, and you shall roam the world 
over, as untrammeled as the eagle. Other hopes are de- 
ceitful. The man you cling to has not three hours to live. 
Come now, with me, and we will fly from Granada.” 

There was an intense earnestness in his look, a wild, pit- 
eous appeal in his voice, which would have touched some 
hearts. But Xina flung up her white hands with a look of 
utter loathing. 

‘‘Go, go ! ” she cried. “I detest, I despise, I abhor 
you. You have poisoned the noblest life, you have freed 
the most heroic soul that ever earned knightly fame. I will 
die with him.” 

The flecks of foam stood on Basilio’s livid lips. He 
shook his clenched hand after him. 

“ I will be revenged. I will hasten to the king, and tell 
him that the bar is removed. The dread curse of the 
prophet which alone held back his fierce passion unmean- 
ing in this case. I will say that you are not his sister. See 
if the slavery of the seraglio is preferable to the freedom I 
offer.” 

The prison door closed heavily behind him, and Xina 
fell weeping into the arms of Ildefonse. 

“ Beloved one, dry thy tears. I believe him not. Surely 
there would be deadly sickness in my frame, and never did 
I feel more strong and buoyant. He meant to fill us with 
terror. Secure thine own safety, and send Prince Azim to 
my rescue. I fear not his poison.” 

“Thou hast no fear, my Ildefonse ; but oh, my heart 
quails, so well I know his malignity.” 

“ Fear not ! ” exclaimed a deep voice without, coming 
they could scarcely tell from whence. “ It is true he filled 
his vial with the fatal draught ; it is true he poured it in 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 


77 


the prisoner’s bowl. But the vial was taken and exchanged 
for one of pure water. Did I not promise to watch over 
the Castilian knight ? ” 

Now, indeed, I take heart ! ” exclaimed Xina. Ba- 
silic’ s threat can amount to little until he overtakes the 
king, who I am sure has gone forth before this. Let me 
find the mysterious speaker. This signet ring which I se- 
cured from the king’s person will give me admittance where I 
will. We must remove you, if we can, this very night. 
Let Basilio believe thee dead. Why not simulate death ! 

She paused, clapping her hands, and exclaimed : 

I have the plan ! You must seem to be in the last 
agonies, and ask for Prince Azim. I myself as the Princess 
Xina will declare that Basilio confessed to the poison. 
That vial of the true poison must be emptied into the rest of 
the water as proof. I will take care that trusty slaves bear 
you out to burial. Let me find the unknown, and all is 
well.” 

1 am here,” said the same voice. I will wait for 
you at your own door. ’ ’ 

‘‘Farewell, fora little time, my iKefonse; my courage 
revives. I see, indeed, a way of safety. ” 


CHAPTER VIIL 

All sped as the new plan devised. The Princess Xina 
came forth from the prison as if in consternation, and de- 
clared that the prisoner was in great pain, and that Basilio 
had declared in her presence that he poured his deadly 
poison into the water placed for him to drink. She asked 
for Basilio. 

The frightened head of the seraglio replied that he had 
dashed off in hot haste to overtake the king who was some 
half hour in advance, but Prince Azim was left in charge 
of affairs in Granada. Should he send for him ? 

“ By all means,” replied the princess, and hastened to 
her own apartments. She found her expected visitor wait- 
ing for her. A hurried consultation was. held. 

“Yes,” said the unknown. “ I will take charge of him, 


78 


THE WIZARD .OF GRANADA. 


I will make him a safe retreat. He shall occupy one of 
Basilic’ s secret rooms.” 

‘^Basilic ! ” exclaimed Xina, with a shudder. 

He were safer there than in the Alhambra. Fear not. 
It is thine own safety which is best, soonest secured. Fly 
to the Spanish Army, and ask protection as the daughter of 
Count Montholio. I will tell you the shortest route to 
reach them before any hostilities commence. So only art 
thou safe from the king.” 

^‘You are right,” returned Xina, gravely, and for 
such an object my courage shall not fail.” 

And she went away hurriedly and called her one faithful 
slave, her sole confidant in all the Alhambra, and arrange- 
ments were speedily in progress for the carrying out of her 
design. 

Meantime Prince Azim was called to the prison. He 
came with a grave, distressed face, and bade the chief 
servants take down the circumstances of the case to be 
carried forth. 

He asked for the Princess Xina, and on second thought, 
said he would not disturb her at that late hour. In a short 
time he came back. Startling news had come, a rumor 
that the Spanish forces were approaching in another direc- 
tion, threatening Granada’s chief city. 

He gave the reins of government into the hands of one 
of the aged Moorish princes, called his body guard about 
him and dashed off to reconnoitre, promising to return be- 
fore another night-fall with the tidings of the invasion. 

The day passed and the night came, and still another 
day, but no tidings reached Granada, either of the king’s 
army or of the little band which went forth with the Prince 
Azim. In the middle of the next, night, the anxious in- 
habitants of Granada were relieved by the appearance of a 
courier, galloping in hot haste toward the Alhambra. 

His news were direful enough. Don Pedro and Don 
Juan, the Castilian Princes, had marched victoriously 
through the province, and were on return to Castle, laden 
with spoils. Ismael and his army were in pursuit, but the 
result was unknown. Nothing could be told concerning 
Prince Azim, but it was conjectured he had joined the 
king’s forces. 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA, 


79 


Two more days in suspense, and the whole city was 
electrified by more welcome tidings. Ismael with his forces 
had fallen suddenly upon the careless Spaniards, who were 
returning leisurely with their rich booty, and were halting 
on a fearfully sultry day for rest. 

The moors fought with the fury of wild beasts. The 
Spaniards, taken by surprise, fell into disorder, which, ad- 
ded to the intense heat of the day, completely deprived 
the gallant leaders of their accustomed authority. 

In vain the knightly Infants strove to rally their strength, 
reorganize their bands. Fighting with desperate valor, 
overpowered by the burning heat and intense thirst, both 
gallant young princes fell dead upon the field. 

Even the conqueror was melted to compassion at their 
fate, while he gave due admiration to their prowess. Ismael 
ordered the bodies of the unfortunate Infants of Castile to 
be borne reverently before him, when his triumphant pro- 
cession entered the streets of Granada. They were covered 
with cloth of gold, and laid out in state with all funereal 
honors. And ever since, even to this day, that neighbor- 
hood has been called, ^‘La Sierra de los Infantes.” 

A crowd of Moors were watching from the towers of the 
Alhambra at every available height, when a little cloud of 
dust announced the approach of the conqueror’s cortege. 
The silvery tongues of bells from minaret and dome, gave 
forth the tidings to the whole city, and every living creat- 
ure who had liberty came forth into the streets. 

The little specks with a glitter of sunlight running like a 
line of fire along the ranks grew every moment, till at 
length the joyful watchers could discern the figures of 
horses and riders, could see the great banner of the Moslem 
dynasty fluttering and waving joyously above the head of 
the erect figure, whose royal plume was unbent, nor soiled 
with the ill chances of battle. The two litters borne rev- 
erently in front caused much anxiety, for the particulars 
of the affair had not been received, and when the proces- 
sion came near enough for every member to obtain recogni- 
tion by form or insignia of mail or banner, many eyes ran 
apprehensively along the glittering line to discover who was 
absent from his place. 

Prince Azim is not there,” cried out one excited voice. 


8o 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 


And immediately a wail of many sincere voices took up 
the cry. 

‘‘Prince Azim is slain. Allah receive his soul ! The 
holy prophet welcome him to the gardens of paradise 1 ” 

“ Hush ! ” cried a vizier, waving his wand of authority. 
“ Prince Azim’s banner is not among them, it would wave 
above the bier, while his men would walk beside it with re- 
versed arms.” 

Then all attention was absorbed by the royal cortege, as 
it swept on beneath the great gates. One great shout from 
the people, the pealing of the bells, the resonant blare of 
the trumpets gave welcome to the victorious monarch. 

Ismael’s haughty face was bright with proud, triumphant 
gladness. His eye beamed gayly, his cheek was flushed, 
his manner benignant and gracious, as he bent from his 
horse in answer to the greeting of the people, and the 
lauding speech of their deputy. 

“We have fulfilled our promise. We have conquered 
the insolent invader. Better than that, we have taught 
them, a worthy lesson. Yet it was a foe who fought vali- 
antly, let us give them the credit. The princes of Castile 
lie yonder on the bier. We will give them honorable 
burial, such as is due to valiant soldiers. Allah be praised, 
and glory be to his Prophet who gave us victory. On now 
to the Alhambra ! ” 

The people took up the cry in long and repeated shouts. 

‘ ‘ Allah il Allah ! Mahomet is his prophet, and Ismael 
is the beloved of Heaven ! Allah il Allah ! ” 

These shouts reached even to the secret hiding place of 
Sir Ildefonse. He started and listened eagerly and then 
turned pale. 

His countrymen defeated. The Moslems triumphant, 
where then was Xina who fled to the Castilians for refuge. 

His cheek grew pale, his eye anxious and troubled, a 
thousand painful apprehensions filled his mind, and he 
waited in almost insupportable suspense through the long, 
weary day. His unknown friend had not even appeared to 
bring him food. The day dragged wretchedly slow. He 
only knew when night came, by a denser gloom in his cell 
and the call of the muezzin to evening prayer. 

He was awake and vigilant, haT wild with foreboding 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. “ 8 1 

fears, when at dead midnight, her hour of appearance 
always, the secret door swung noiselessly aside and the 
mysterious woman entered the cell. She put down her 
tray of food carefully and turned to him, speaking in a 
whisper. 

You have waited impatiently, 1 know, but it could not 
be helped. Take the food at once. This has been an 
eventful day.” 

have heard the tumult and rejoicings in the street. 
My heart shrinks from your tidings, for I know they are 
evil,” answered Sir Ildefonse. 

Your countrymen were surprised, and the Moors are 
completely victorious. They have recovered all the spoil 
and much Spanish treasure. The Infants of Castile, the 
leaders, Don Pedro and Don Juan, are both dead.” 

Ildefonse covered his face with his hands, and groaned 
in anguish. 

‘‘And Xina, my Christina, have you heard aught from 
her?” he asked presently. 

She hesitated and looked apprehensively at his shaking 
hands. 

“ I can bear it, nothing can be worse than my fears, ex- 
cept that she is dead,” said he, hastily. 

“ Nay, she lives and is unharmed.” 

“ But is again in the power of the Moorish king — is that 
it?” 

“No, worse than that. She is in the hands of Basilio. 
She reached the forces of the Castilian princes and assumed 
the Spanish dress she had carried with her. Basilio, who 
it seems gained the applause of all by his fierce fighting, 
recognized her, took her prisoner, and claimed her as his 
share in the division of spoils. You know the sacred ness 
of Moslem customs. Not even the king would dare take 
her away from him now.” 

The young knight clenched his teeth and seized his 
sword. 

“ But I will dare. I will tear his craven heart from out 
his breast if her dares to harm her.” 

“ Hush, oh, hush ! ” cried out the woman in a voice be- 
traying unutterable anguish, though it was hardly above a 
whisper. “ Let others revile him as they will, your lips 
6 


82 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 

must be silent, if they cannot speak his praise. Fear not 
for the maiden’s safety, I will watch over her jealously. I 
have already provided her with a dagger. Basilio is in- 
clined to deal gently with her ; he would fain win her 
love.” 

As she said this a strange shudder shook her frame, and 
she caught her breath gaspingly. 

Can I see her ; can I speak to Xina ? 

Not yet, I dare not venture too much. We must wait 
to learn the king’s disposition. He will be fearfully in- 
censed, for his passion for his supposed sister has been the 
fiercest trial of his life, and now to learn the deception 
practised upon him, to be made aware that he might have 
married her without incurring the Koran’s malediction, 
and to know at the same time that she is lost to him, will 
be like throwing a spark into a volcano. I think Basilio 
himself fears to meet the trial. Let us wait. By this time 
he must have learned of the Princess Xina.” 

‘ ^ How does she bear it ? ” asked Ildefonse, his strong 
chest heaving with the sob he could not repress. 

^^She is very quiet and pale, but determined. Since I 
gave her the dagger, she has seemed more courageous.” 

^^My beautiful Christina!” murmured Ildefonse. 

Hope is not lost. There are many resources in my hands. 
I wait only to know the king’s will before I move. Keep 
your own brave heart, Ildefonse. There is Prince Azim. 
I am sure he will use his influence for her.” 

‘^Prince Azim, as you know, left Granada suddenly. 
The Princess Xina was in the train disguised, and left it as 
soon as she came near the Castilian camp. The princess’s 
retinue were all captured, but when the onset of the Moors 
set them free, no sign could be found of their master. 
There is much grief on his account. Several horsemen 
have been sent to search the battle field thoroughly. It is 
the general opinion that he was killed.” 

Another misfortune 1 ” groaned Ildefonse. 

‘^1 must not tarry longer. I must watch every move- 
ment of Basilio’s. You see I have brought double the al- 
lowance of food. It may be I shall be unable to come 
again for a little time.” 

Come, I beseech you, if it be possible, or I shall grow 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA, 


83 

mad with suspense. If you would put me out with my 
good sword in my hand, I would complain not.” 

‘‘In good time, in good time. Have faith in me and 
trust my good will,” responded the woman. 

In another moment she had gone, and Ildefonse was 
again alone. 

Meantime at the Alhambra a stormy scene had been 
enacted, which she had not dared repeat to the captive 
knight. 

The king waved away impatiently the crowd of courtiers 
and the formal congratulations awaiting him with the 
palace. 

“ I am tired with riding, and stiff with yesterday’s hot 
exertions. Leave me to rest,” he said, and hastened to the 
royal private apartments. 

Once there he turned to the chief of the Seraglio. 

“ Hasten to the Princess Xina,” cried he, in an eager, 
ringing voice. “ The fair hands which clasped my armor, 
and sent me forth to victory, shall assist in removing the 
cumbersome mail. Bid her come to offer the congratula- 
tions which will give keenest pleasure to the heart of Ismael, 
who has proved himself worthy to defend the crown of 
Granada. ’ ’ 

The hapless eunuch trembled and looked wistfully into 
the king’s face, then fell prostrate with his face upon the 
floor. 

“ Mighty Ismael, favored with the prophet ! Have pa- 
tience with thy slave, and condemn him not for that which 
no power of his could help,” he stammered. 

‘ ‘ What now ? Speak slave ! What has happened ? O, 
Mighty Prophet, grant my fears are false. The princess is 
not ill — she cannot be dead. Speak, slave ! ” cried out 
Ismael, shuddering from head to foot. 

His wild devotion to Xina was indeed the most inten'se 
emotion of his nature. The cheek which had not paled in 
battle, was ghastly now, the powerful arm nerveless as a 
child’s, the dauntless eye blenching with dread. 

The poor eunuch gasped for breath, knowing the sum- 
mary punishment dealt out for such offences, however inno- 
cently incurred. 

‘ ‘ Nay, your mightiness. She is not ill. She is missing. 


84 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 


No one has seen her since your train set forth from the Al- 
hambra.’^ 

He related then the strange experience in the cell of the 
Spanish prisoner. The accusation of the princess against 
Basflio, the investigation of Prince Azim, and the supposed 
death and burial of the knight. 

The king stood like one stunned, with a dark frown 
gathering on his foreheM. 

* ^ And you have not seen her since ? ’ ’ demanded he. 

‘‘No, your majesty, no one has seen her. I have made 
diligent inquiry and yet I am baffled and perplexed.” 

“ The prince is missing likewise,” repeated Ismael. “By 
my father’s beard, this shall be sifted to the bottom. " Ho, 
there, guards ! arrest every attendant in the Seraglio.” 

He turned again to the trembling chief. 

“ Thou sayest the princess retired to her apartments and 
the Prince Azim sought her there, and that guards were in 
both corridors, and yet when you entered the salon, no 
Princess Xina was there.” 

“The prince only entered the ante-room. He changed 
his mind, and said it was too late to disturb her. He went 
away without an interview. Then came the news of the ap- 
proach of the Spanish upon Granada, ' and Prince Azim 
went off in hot haste. Take pity upon your slave’s distress, 
mighty monarch, indeed he is innocent of blame.” 

“ What can it mean? ” cried out Ismael, striding fiercely 
to and fro. 

“ Your majesty pardon me. I have thought perhaps the 
princess rode out among the soldiers. She was ever of a 
daring frame of mind, and the tidings of expected battle 
may have fired her zeal.” 

“ How came Xina in the cell of the Castilian ? By my 
crown, it is all a mysterious tangle ! What, ho, send for 
Basilio, he may hold the key.” 

And until Basilio came, Ismael paced restlessly to and 
fro, nor would partake of refreshment. Basilio managed to 
gain time. He saw the royal messenger and guessed his 
errand, and hid himself till he collected his thoughts and 
prepared his plan of action. 

But the king was like an enragedjion when he reached 
the Alhambra. The terrified slaves were all huddled to- 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 85 

gether with a guard over them. The officers standing pale 
and silent with consternation. 

The cheek of Basilio blanched a little as he entered the 
salon, and met the fiery eye of Isrnael. 

^‘How now, Basilio? Am I to be kept waiting like a 
slave ? I sent for you too hours ago.” 

beg your majesty to pardon me. I am unprepared 
for the summons. The fatigue of yesterday’s battle made 
itself felt. I retired to rest and calm, my brain still dazed 
with clashing scimetars. I am an old man for war, and do 
not recover so readily as younger men.” 

You did good service; no yonger arm was stronger to 
smite,” responded Ismael, mollified by the recollection. 
‘‘1 sent for you to read me this enigma. I come home 
triumphant and rejoicing, and I meet misfortune at my own 
palace door. First, tell me how you dared to poison my 
prisoner, the Spanish knight ? ” 

He was a dog ! there was no time to prove to you his 
treachery, and I made sure that he should not work mis> 
chief in your absence. He hid his true errand. He came 
to woo the Princess Xina, to carry her away from Granada 
to Castile.” 

Holy Prophet ! and the dog is beyond my vengeance ! 
But the princess is missing. She is strangely, mysteriously 
gone, none can tell me how or whither.” 

Basilio east down his eyes and thought a rrioment. 

‘‘A bold movement is best. I could not long deceive 
him if I tried,” soliloquized he, and then looked up calmly. 

Your majesty,” said he, I have a strange story for 
your ears. You remember the Spanish captive which fell to 
me as my share of the spoils yesterday ? ” 

The king nodded. 

raised her veil, and behold it was she whom we have 
called the Princess Xina.” 

Why have you not brought her hither ! ” demanded the 
king, imperiously. 

‘‘ Whom we have called the Princess Xina,” went on 
Basilio, as if he had not heard the interruption, ^^but the 
knight knew better. He brought good proof that she is the 
Countess Christina, daughter of Carlos, Count Montholio 
of Castile.” 


86 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA, 


The king leaped forward, his eyes, his whole face a-flame 
with joy. 

‘^Not the Princess Xina ! Speak quickly, tell ' me how 
this can be.” 

‘^The royal infant died, a slave was hired to substitute 
the daughter of the Spanish Count in its place. There is 
a birthmark which cannot be mistaken.” 

Great Prophet, I thank thee!” ejaculated Ismael. 

^ ' Now indeed is my victory complete. Xina not my sister, 
she shall be my queen I ’ ’ 

Basilio’s swarthy cheek grew pallid, his lip twitched 
nervously. 

My liege, I have loved this maiden too. My heart is 
wild with joy at this chance which has given her to me. 
Allah be praised, that she is mine out of the power of any 
man to take away from me.” 

The king drew back and looked at him. Two pair of 
fierce, desperate, glittering eyes glared at each other. 

^^Basilio, I will lose my crown first, ere I resign my 
claim to Xina,” ejaculated Ismael, hoarsely. 

‘‘My liege, you will not so defy the Moslem laws as to 
take a female slave away by force. She is a Spanish girl. 
She fled to the Castilians for protection. She alike abhors 
and detests you. And she is the captive allotted to me,” 
returned Basilio, in a stern voice. 

‘ ‘ Curses upon you ! My eternal malediction follow 
you 1 ” shouted the king. 

Basilio made a deprecating gesture, but his eye flashed 
haughtily, and he turned to the door. 

The guards without glanced apprehensively into his face, 
but they learned nothing. The king came forth with an 
eye blazing like clashing steel. 

“ What, ho, call out the strongest guards, and take a 
litter. Let the chief eunuch accompany it. The Princess 
Xina is at the house of Basilio. Bring her hither at once. 
If any one opposes, hew him down. Take the signet ring 
of the King of Granada with you, and see that his will is 
obeyed.” 

And having spoke this he went back and flung off his 
armor and sat down with sternly repressed impatience, lis- 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 8.7 

tening to his chief officer’s account of the transactions in 
the Alhambra during his absence. 

Basilio, little suspecting such prompt movement, had 
gone to the fortress to relate the story of his captive to the 
conirades who had fought with him in the conflict with the 
Castilians. He had good reasons for this movement, and 
he smiled grimly as one noble after another expressed their 
envy, as well as their conviction that the king would never 
molest the sacred right of a captor. 

When he returned to his house, he found that the bird 
had flown. The royal guard had taken away his beautiful 
prize. 

Basilio did not rave or bluster when this transaction was 
related to him. He turned purple and deadly pale, and 
murmured — 

‘ ‘ Whether from hand of king or subject, it is an insult, 
which can be wiped out in but one way,” he repeated, his 
tone growing deadly and vindictive. 

All that night long Basilio sat with his head bent to his 
hands, stony as a statue. 

Now and then the secret panel above dropped noiselessly, 
and a pair of sorrowful eyes looked down upon him. Sor- 
rowful, wistful, passionately tender at times. But Basilio 
heeded nothing. He rose but twice. Once to moisten his 
lips with water, and at last to take down a dagger from the 
shelf above him. 

He took it down and held it in his hand, turning it 
over, and a pale, lightning gleam secerning to dart from his 
set teeth, whiter than pearl, and to spread over his face, till 
it left a glowing flame in the wild, dark eyes. 

^^It is certain destruction for myself, I know that,” he 
muttered ; no matter, Basilio receives such insult from no 
man. Let death come, if it must.” 

And hast thou no fears. Barest thou pass to the land 
of spirits with so many dark crimes on thy soul ? ” said a 
solemn voice that seemed to come from the clouds. 

Basilio sprang forward, looking around him wildly. 

Anita, Anita 1 oh, Heavens, thatwoice ! Is it a warn- 
ing of my approaching doom? ” 

‘Ht is a warning ! Beware ! ” echoed the voice. 

Basilio glared fiercely around him. 


88 


7'HE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 


^ ^ No matter, no matter, I will defy all things, the king 
on his throne, the haunting ghost. 

He hurried to the closet, brought out a bottle of the for- 
bidden wine, and a slender crystal goblet, and drank glass 
after glass. 

It is a fool who despairs before he has made a trial,” 
muttered he, with a grim smile. I will have all prepara- 
tions made for a secret flight, and Xina shall share it with 
me.” 


CHAPTER IX. 

Gloriously dawned upon Granada the day that cele- 
brated the king’s victorious return. Never had the beau- 
tiful city looked more lovely. By order of Ismael the 
streets were decked for a grand festival, and all the people 
in holiday garb were out thronging around the public 
squares. 

Fountains flung up their pearly spray into sunshine, 
against the brilliant, intensely blue sky. Garlands of gor- 
geous blossoms festooned the arched gateways, entwined 
the pillars, and decked the windows of the noble palaces. 
Bands of gaily dressed children flung flowers in the path- 
way which the king Was to tread on his triumphant march 
to the great mosque, where he was to return his thanks for 
victory. Banners fluttered, lines of gorgeously arrayed 
soldiery bordered the streets. Rich strains of inspiring 
music made the air harmonious, and when the royal pro- 
cession emerged from the Alhambra, with its brilliant guard 
in their glittering, gold-strewn uniforms, their dancing 
plumes and richly caparisoned horsts, and shining spears 
glinting in the sunshine like spikes of diamond, well might 
the people shout in delight. 

With the guards on either side, in a hollow square, 
mounted on a jet-black, superb charger, whose trappings 
were of pure gold set with many costly gems, his own 
breast scintillating with the blaz:ing lustre of numberless 
diamonds, rode the king, his crown on his head, his scep- 
ter in his hand. Beside him, drooping from a proudly 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 


89 

Stepping palfrey of snowy hue, was a graceful figure clad 
in white velvet garments, embroidered everywhere with 
pearl >nd silver. A veil of transparent, silvery texture 
was flung around her, but above it was placed a second 
crown. 

A shout of gratification from the crowd hailed the recog- 
nition of its meaning. No one was too dull to understand 
that at last King Ismael would take a queen to brighten the 
Alhambra halls. 

A train of nobles followed in brilliant show behind the 
king. On through the applauding multitude, the flower- 
strewn streets, beneath the garlands and the waving ban- 
ners, passed Ismael with the white-robed figure at his side. 
They reached the grand Mosque, and there dismounted, the 
guard of soldiers surrounded the building. 

The Mufti with his illuminated missal in his hand came 
to the entrance to meet them, and a rich burst of ^music 
greeted their approach. 

. In the twilight atmosphere of the Mosque, they saw the 
great altar, and on either side the still lengths of the dead 
princes lying on their biers, their cold, pale, faces looking 
forth in melancholy contrast to the splendor around them. 
A torch was applied to the silver candelabras clustering with 
their polished candles, and a bright light illuminated the 
place. 

Ismael walked forward proudly and unfalteringly, but his 
companion hesitated and stretched out her hands in an im- 
ploring gesture. The king spoke a few brief words in a 
grave, determined tone, and shuddering the lady followed 
after him. 

At the foot of the altar the king lifted the silver veil and 
showed the surpassingly beautiful, but deadly pale face of 
her whom Granada had known as the Princess Xina. 

Never had the beautiful maiden looked so superbly lovely 
and queenly as now ; with the misty veil sweeping away 
from her pale face, her magnificent eyes lustrous with a wild 
intensity of expression, few could read aright. The golden 
gem-set crown seemed a fitting ornament for that stately 
head, and none marvelled that Ismael bent upon her so pas- 
sionately tender and proud a glance. 

The Mufti approached them, while the silver-mantled 


90 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA, 


boys emerging from behind the altar, swung their bronze 
censers, and left floating clouds of fragrance on the air. 

Ismael bent forward, eyes and face shining with the bliss 
of attained hopes, and whispered : 

‘^Xina, beloved, a moment more, and thou art the 
Queen of the Alhambra.” 

Spare me ! oh, Ismael, if you truly love me, send me 
to a bier as cold as that of the dead princes yonder ; but 
spare me this doom, terrible to me beyond any death ! ” 
faltered the white lips of the bride. 

‘ ‘ Never, never ! nothing shall separate us ; nothing shall 
tear you frorii me 1 ” returned the king passionately. 

You mistake. King of Granada ! ” shouted a voice, and 
as if from the floor itself, in that strange, wizard fashion of 
his, Basilio sprang up between them. 

The words seemed hissed rather than spoken, and with 
them, quick and deadly as the lightning, came a stroke. 

The* king fell back, a dagger sheathed to the very hilt in 
his heart. 

So perish the insulter of Basilio, the violator of Moor- 
ish laws ! ” cried Basilio, hoarsely, and caught the light fig- 
ure of the bride in his arms. 

Paralyzed with horror, no one had stirred. The Mufti 
caught the bleeding body, and shouted for the guards. His 
call broke the spell. Hundreds rushed forward — but the 
murderer and the bride — where were they ? They had dis- 
appeared. Basilio had leaped behind the altar, and there 
the ground had seemed to swallow them. 

Closer examination discovered a hollow sound beneath 
the pavement. But the clue to the secret door baffled 
them. When at last with battle-axe and spear and iron bar 
it was pried open, a dark passage-way and a flight of steps 
were discovered. 

The enraged soldiers followed fearlessly, but soon came 
to an iron door which barred their passage. When that, 
too, was overcome, much time had been lost ; and though 
they followed the excavated path into a ruined hut, and 
emerged again into the upper world, no trace of the wizard 
was to be found. Only a silver veil rudely rent in twain, 
gnd the golden crown crushed beneath an iron heel, gave 
token that he had passed that way with Xina in his arms, 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA, 9 1 

His house was surrounded at once ; not without a vague 
fear of the consequences by the superstitious Moors. 

The terrified servants of Basilio came hurrying forth, but 
none of them had seen their master. Thorough search 
through the great building, sounding of walls, crashing of 
panels, strict investigation of secret cell and damp prison 
vault, all ended alike. Basilio had fled — The earth has 
swallowed him ! ” said one. 

^‘The evil one has seized him and borne him down to 
the infernal regions,” whispered another, in an awed voice. 

But the innocent and beautiful Princess Xina, where is 
she ?” questioned another. 

The city was wild with consternation. The day of re- 
joicing and festivity clouded over by a black pall. 

The king was borne back to the Alhambra in his gorgeous 
robes, without his bride, stone dead. 

The hand of Basilio had been swift, unfaltering and true 
to its aim. Ismael’s reckless determination to possess the 
paptive had been his death warrant. 

The bells from minaret and mosque tolled dismally ; the 
gay robes were laid aside ; the whole city was in mourning ; 
Granada had lost her monarch in his proudest moment of 
victory. 

A fierce crowd gathered about the dwelling of Basilio, 
and as night approached their vengeful passions and burn- 
ing thoughts culminated in deeds. 

Somehow, no one could tell afterward from whose lips 
arose the cry, the shout was heard and echoed by vehement 
voices : 

Fire the building ! If he is hiding there, let him per- 
ish in his secret den ! ” 

And at the word a dozen torches were kindled and thrust 
forward. Their ruddy flame lapped greedily at the light 
lattice- work, and tossed fantastic wreaths across pillar and 
moulding, and clambered up eerily from arched window to 
broad roofing. 

The Moors below, the glare lending a wild, lurid look to 
gleaming eyes and snowy turbans, shouted in fierce joy as 
the work of destruction went on. 

So perish the murderer of the Prophet’s chosen ! So 
turn to blackness the bones of the traitor who dares to lift 


92 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 


his bloody hand against Granada’s king ! So depart from 
Granada the evil spells of the wizard ! Allah il Allah ! 
Mahomet is his prophet ! ” rose in shrill, revengeful voices, 
as with savage yells they leaped to and fro, keeping close 
guard over the burning building, that no one could escape 
from it unknown to them. 

High up into the heavens leaped the red glare and the 
black wreaths of smoke. The great building shone out one 
moment, like a Gheber’s temple, blood red and fiery, every 
domed window and pillared niche and carved railing per- 
fect and distinct. One moment — then it shook as by the 
breath of the fire-king, wavering to and fro, and the shout- 
ing throats below kept a moment’s awed silence, till it top- 
pled, shrank, shuddered and fell in black, smouldering 
ruins. 

Wild yells of triumph rung out from the gratified Moors, 
and the home of the wizard of Granada was among the 
things of the past. 

But the wizard — where was he ? 

With every nerve fired to fiercest enthusiasm and grim de- 
termination, Basilio sprang through the secret passage-way, 
which was known only to a deceased Mufti and himself, and 
emerged in the ruined hut, where garments were lying ready 
to be thrown over his own head, and to muffle the rich robes 
of the bride from public observation. 

Xina, whose mind had already endured so much anguish 
and excitement, could bear no more. With the consterna- 
tion of Basilio’ s appearance, the terrible sight of the falling 
king, his gold-embroidered robes spattered with the crim- 
son tide of his own heart, she sank back insensible^ 

Basilio could have asked nothing better. She was inca- 
pable of outcry or resistance. He lifted her in Ijis strong 
arms and dashed on. He had only a short distance to pro- 
ceed in the open air, ere he came again to the excavated 
tunnel which had its outlet in the basement of his own 
house. 

Panting and breathless, but with grim lip and fiery eye, 
he emerged from the dark, and laying down his helpless 
burden, he blew thrice on a whistle hanging at his girdle. 

It was immediately answered by an Ethiopian slave. 

‘ Hs all ready ? ’ ’ demanded the wizard. 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA, 93 

All is ready,” replied the slave, looking at the stirless 
figure still shrouded in the gory cloak. 

Quick! bring the disguises, and I will restore con- 
sciousness to the maiden. We must go back to the secret pas- 
sage. There will be a rush hither in a brief time. Serve 
me faithfully now, good Dalphon, and your freedom is se- 
cure.” 

The Ethiopian bowed and vanished. 

Basilio held a powerful essence to the nostrils of the 
maiden, ayid wet her lips with wine. She revived at once 
and sat up, staring round her bewildered ly. 

Put on the disguise Dalphon will bring you,” said Bas- 
ilio, in an authoritative voice. I will save you, Xina. 
Ask no questions, but obey.” 

Dalphon came in while he spoke, handing his master a 
bundle, and hastily shaking out the boy’s clothing he had 
thrown over his arm. 

He held it out to the lady. 

It is for your highness. Shall I assist you to hide your 
hair under the wig ? ” 

In a moment Xina comprehended the intention of dis- 
guise and flight. She put out her hands in a dissenting ges- 
ture. 

‘‘ Why should I go ? It is flight from one danger to an- 
other. I choose to remain.” 

‘‘You shall not. I will bind you hand and foot, and 
carry you hj my arms, before I will leave you behind. You 
were seeking to escape to Castile. I will take you thither.” 

Xina’s eyes flashed indignantly and resolutely, but Dal- 
phon bent over her and whispered a magical word. “ Go 
—the knight will be near at hand.” 

Hope and courage revived instantly in the maiden’s 
heart. She took the clothing and passively signified her 
consent. 

. Basilio went out for his small package of valuables, and 
returned a countryman — hair and beard changed entirely, 
even his complexion altered. Xina was mechanically fast- 
ening her boy’s tunic, and submitted quietly while Dalphon 
touched her cheek with a brown powder, and rubbed her 
hands with the same. 

Basilio took her by the hand and led the way to the under- 


94 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA, 


ground passage, Dalphon following. Through the chill, 
dark passage-way they hurried on, and neither spoke until 
they emerged again into the light. 

It was the Ethiopian slave who spoke then with an hum- 
ble, deprecating gesture. 

My master, Gaboine failed us. I could find nothing 
of him. Methinks he stole away to witness the fine show 
of the king’s procession.” 

A fierce malediction escaped Basilio. 

I have found another more trusty. I am sure he will 
not fail to be waiting with the carts,” spoke up Dalphon, 
quickly. 

^ ‘ Good, Dalphon ; you shall not repent this good turn 
you have done me. I will give you gold to help you enjoy 
freedom. ’ ’ 

The slave bowed nearly to the ground. 

My illustrious master is beneficent and generous. Allah 
reward him accordingly ! Come into this deserted hut. 
The baskets are waiting there, and Minto will have the 
carts at the end of the street.” 

They passed hastily along the deserted road and entered 
the dilapidated hut, left standing for the accommodation 
of such poverty-stricken wayfarers as had no other shel- 
ter. 

A string of osier baskets and one long market basket with 
a few bunches of vegetables in it, looking like the remnant 
of a street vender’s stock, were lying in one corner covered 
by a coarse cloth. Basilio took the basket on his arm, 
handed one of the smaller ones to Xina, and turned again 
to the door, saying in a dry, fevish tone — 

There is no instant to be lost. Hark ! Do you hear 
the alarm bell ? ’ ’ 

Dalphon threw the long string of baskets over his shoul- 
der, and so the trio passed out again, and in a moment 
more had left that lonesome beggar’s quarter, and were 
treading a crowded street, along which the few outside 
people who had been left to guard the houses were stream- 
ing forth in consternation at sound of the alarm bell. No 
one heeded the three apparently innocent countrymen re- 
turning from their day’s marketing in Granada. All were 
absorbed in vague alarm at the ominous summons from the 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 


95 


great Allian:ibra bell. And even had their attention been 
drawn toward them, no suspicion could have been awak- 
ened, so perfect were the disguises, and such pains had 
been taken to prepare the vvay for them. 

At a sort of market bazaar two rude country carts were 
waiting for them, with a stupid looking, greasy turbaned 
driver, whose head was dropped down upon his breast in an 
apparently sound slumber. 

Dalphon stepped up to him and gave him a vigorous blow 
on the back. 

How now, Minto, art thou sleeping? and here is the 
master come ! The stuff is all sold, but a few bunches, and 
we be ready to go home. And a fine sight have we seen 
beside. The great procession of the king going toward the 
Mosque. It would have made thy sleepy eyes open wide, I 
promise you, to have seen the gold embroidery, and the 
flashing jewels. But hasten thee and unfasten the animals. 
Thou wilt drive the master, and little Alena will ride with 
me.” 

The sleepy boor slowly and stiffly descended from his 
seat, and began unfastening his horse from the post. As 
Basilio came around, and began stowing his basket into the 
cart, he made a short but respectful bow, which Basilio, 
however, checked by a quick gesture of reproach. 

There were only two shopmen in the bazaar, and they 
were gazing idly from the doorway. 

^^The same party came in this morning. There were 
four of them. Well, they did well to come into Granada 
such a day as thisq it’s worth more than their day’s earn- 
ings to see the fine show,” said one to the other. 

Basilio heard and smiled quietly. They had heard noth- 
ing as yet, nor mistrusted evil, though the echoes of the 
alarm bell still rung upon the air. 

■ Xina had already taken her seat, and Dalphon mounted 
up into tlie cart beside her. 

I will drive, myself,” said Basilio, when the still sleepy 
looking Minto clambered into his cart. 

And he led the way at once. 

The two animals had been carefully selected for endur- 
ance, rather than good looks, and pains had been taken to 
make them appear like the ill-kept, hard used horses of the 


96 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA, 


vegetable men. Their coats were filled with dust, and lit- 
tering straw clung to the shaggy manes. Besides, the rude, 
patched up harness added double effect. 

As they approached the great gateway, a horseman, his 
steed foaming at the mouth and recking with sweat, came^ 
dashing up and gave authoritative order to the guard sta- 
tioned there. A look of horror and consternation came 
over the faces of the soldiers who had listened to his hasty, 
excited words. 

While he was still talking the two carts drove up, Basilio 
leading the way. A soldier stepped forward barring their 
progress with his long spear. 

Dalphon leaped nimbly from his cart and came around in 
front of the other. 

‘‘How, now, brave soldier what is the trouble? We 
have the password all right.” 

“No one is to pass out. The king has been mur- 
dered.” 

“ Holy prophet, the king ! not the king we were ad- 
miring a little while ago? Why, we saw him not more 
than an hour ago, riding bravely along.” 

“ He has been murdered, and by the Wizard of Gran- 
ada,” answered the soldier. 

‘ ‘ Do you hear, master, ’ ’ cried Dalphon, turning to 
Basilio, who seemed eagerly gaping attention to the excit- 
ing news. “Holy Allah, what wickedness! You don’t 
mean Basilio ? Why, we got a potent drug of him to-day 
for the poor sick mistress at home.” 

“Can’t we go through at all, to-night? ” asked Basilio 
in a thick, coarse voice. 

“ Who are they? ” demanded the horseman. 

“They came in this morning with vegetables. Four of 
them together in these two carts,” replied the guard. 

“ And the poor mistress will be crazy without her sleep- 
ing medicine to-night,” said the ready tongued Dalphon. 
“ This is bad luck for all, master, for all of us, in truth 1 ” 

“ Let them through, but no other,” said the horseman, 
turning his animal again toward the city. 

And the two carts went lumbering under the great arched 
gateway, and the massive gate clanged behind them, and 
was securely locked. Xina had listened like one spell- 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 


97 


bound. She was sitting by Dalpbon’s side, still and rigid 
as a statue. She whispered now hastily to her compan- 
ion — 

Who are you ? what does this mean ? ” 

^^We have escaped safely so far,” replied Dalphon, in 
the same cautious tone, glancing at the same time forward 
to see that Basilio did not notice the conversation. 
came in this morning with the cart filled with vegetables 
with three companions dressed as you three are dressed. 
It was all planned last night. The three who came in are 
innocent of any knowledge of this stratagem, they wanted 
to see the show, and are still somewhere wandering in 
Granada.” 

^ ^ But who are you ? and why did you say that to me in 
Basilio’s house? I could not have come at all but for that 
whisper.” 

Time will explain. Yield passively to events ! ” 

You are no Ethiopian slave !” ejaculated Xina; your 
language belies your looks ! ” 

I were stupid, indeed, not to have learned something 
in these fifteen years of service to the Wizard of Granada. 
You see, I am his prime counsellor.” 

They rode on moderately through the straggling villages 
on the outskirts of Granada, and carried out their assumed 
character, stopping at every large group of the Moorish vil- 
lagers to detail the exciting news from Granada. 

But when nightfall came, and they reached the lonely 
highway leading through the wooded heights of the Sierras, 
Basilio turned to Dalphon with a pale smile, and a flashing 
eye. 

^^Now, then, Dalphon, we will test the mettle of the 
horses, if they be worth the great price I paid for them. 
We will use them while they are able to bear us. Then we 
must arrange to purchase others. We have this advantage ; 
we are ahead of any injurious tidings; no courier can out- 
strip us. I have gold to use freely ; more, and better, I 
have the signet ring of the king of Granada. No one will 
dare refuse us aid with that magic cirlet before their eyes. 
Let the couriers ride furiously as they will, to warn the 
frontiers, we shall be safely over before they can spread their 

7 


98 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADAi 


tidings forth. Shake out your rein, good Dalphon, and 
earn freedom and a fortune.” 

‘^Xina, dearest,” he added a moment after, ^^bear up 
steadily as ppssible. We will halt a moment for refresh- 
ment, when we reach the woods yonder, and the next town 
shall find us horses and saddles, and we will leave these 
cumbersome carts behind, and take a new disguise. We 
will no longer be countrymen, but a Mufti’s guard, sent to 
the frontier on urgent business with the officers there. The 
garments are in one of your baskets, Dalphon ; we will 
make the change soon.” 

Xina scarcely deigned to answer him. But she put out 
her hand and touched that of the Ethiopian driver. 

‘‘I will go no further, Dalphon,” whispered 'she, '^un- 
less you answer me this question ; I suspect your identity, 
but I demand to know when and where I shall meet him 
of whom you told me.” 

Dalphon hesitated a moment, then bent down and whis- 
pered something in her ear. 

Xina started, clasped both her hands across her heart, 
and uttered a low cry, which Dalphon skilfully covered by 
a shout to his horse. 

“You see that you can trust me. Let Basilio carry you 
to safety as fast as he chooses ; any moment we can strike 
off his hold upon you,” whispered Dalphon in conclusion. 

Xina drew one long, long breath of relief. 

“Allah bless you,” she murmured; “now, indeed, I 
can take heart.” 

“You will need to guard your strength jealously, for the 
journey is long and wearisome.” 

“ I am equal to anything, now,” returned Xina. 

As Basilio had promised, they soon came to a halt. The 
rude peasant garb was discarded and thrown to the winds, 
and the party were now, in outward appearance, a band of 
retainers in the service of the Mufti. 

Xina no longer hesitated, but obeyed with alacrity, ^nd 
Basilio was no more pleased than surprised as he lit a taper 
and brought her a glass of wine to find her face bright and 
cheerful. 

She drank the wine, and took the bread and meat offered 
her without a gesture of dissent. 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 99 

Thou art reconciled to thy fate, sweet Xina? he said, 
eagerly. 

She bent her head, blushing a little. 

Thou shall yet reign lik^e a princess, he responded. 

I bear with me a precious parcel of gems, which is worth 
many a Spanish nobleman’s whole estate. Thou shalt never 
repent leaving Granada.” 

trust not,” replied Xina, ^^but let us lose no mo- 
ment. Dalphon has made me a cushion, and I am to lie 
down in the cart and rest me while we are in darkness and 
on this lonesome highway.” 

‘^It is wise,” returned Basilio, hurrying toward his own 
cart. 

Xina still smiling and blushing, sprang lightly to the rude 
couch improvised by Dalphon. The latter was apparently 
in trouble over the cart. 

‘^Come hither a moment, Minto,” called he, ‘Gend 
your hand at this wheel.” 

Minto, the sleepy, silent fellow, came forward to the cart 
and put his shoulder against the wheel. Basilio could hear, 
but not see, so had no occasion for astonishment or anger 
when the stupid, stolid Moor passed to the back of the cart 
and for one moment took in his the little hand of Xina, 
and left upon it a tender kiss. Whereupon Xina sank back 
bathed in rosy tide of blushing happiness, her lovely eyes 
sparkling with such bright hopefulness as the Alhambra 
splendors had never witnessed. 


CHAPTER X. 

At last, at last ! ” cried out Basilio, in a sharp, high^ 
wrought tone, showing to what a stern tension he had hith- 
erto forced his nerves. And he checked his horse and 
turned around in his saddle, looking back upon the dark 
blue summits of the Sierra de Toledo. 

Five days had passed since they emerged from beneath 
the great gateway of Granada. Night and day they had 
kept on their way, finding no trouble, as Basilio had 
prophesied, in obtaining fresh horses and means for instant 


ICO THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 

and steady progress. Their plentiful supply of money had 
worked wonders in all cases but one, where a surly, ill- 
tempered official had demanded to know the nature of the 
business which sent so few of the retainers of the distant 
'Mufti, and refused to allow them to proceed without. Even 
his suspicion was checked at sight of the sacred signet- 
ring, and they passed through his sphere of command un- 
molested. Long ago they had left behind the clumsy carts 
which retarded progress, and were ail mounted in comfort- 
able saddles on fine, powerful animals. Twice Basilio had 
questioned the propriety of leaving behind the silent, tac- 
iturn Minto, but had acquiesced in Dalphon’s hint, that 
the safest proof of his betraying nothing, was to keep him 
with them. 

The whole party showed signs of the fatigue they had 
undergone, and looked worn and jaded. Xina, indeed, 
had born it beyond the most flattering hopes of her com- 
panion. Although her cheek was pale and her form listless 
and drooping, yet every step nearer Castile her eye bright- 
and her spirits rose. 

Now, indeed, they were at the frontier. They had 
crossed sierra and river, valley and mountain gorge, and 
now the dark waters of the Tagus alone rolled between 
them and safety. They must cross at Toledo and proceed 
on the Castile side up the river to Madrid. The horses 
were still fresh, and looking far back as they now could 
there was no sign of pursuit. 

At last ! ” cried out Basilio through his set teeth 
and breathing hard and long. ‘ ^ Danger is over, we are 
safe.” 

Instinctively every rider checked his horse and looked 
back. The tears were slowly dripping down from Xina’s 
long, dark lashes. Even stolid Minto’s eyes held a soft 
dew, and Basilio’s dark face was full of exultation and tri- 
umph. Only Dalphon pressed a trembling hand against 
his heart and shuddered. 

Presently, the fierce look dying out from his face, Basilio 
'Wheeled his horse and rode to Dalphon’s side. 

Dalphon, my fine fellow, you have served me well and 
faithfully. You are your own master, now. Here is gold. 
Give what you choose to your companion, keep the horses 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 


lOI 


you ride for your Own, and go now whither you choose. It 
were better, perhaps, that we entered Toledo separately, if 
indeed you care at all to go to the town.” 

^‘My master,” returned Dalphon, in a voice that was 
singularly husky, ^Met us not part company so soon; at 
least not until we are safely in the Spanish town. It 
might be troublesome for such humble people as Min to and 
me, to be there in a strange town in these Moorish cos- 
tumes. We may need your protecting presence a little 
longer.” 

Basilio looked surprised and a trifle annoyed, but he was 
touched by the tremulous tones. 

What, does it grieve you to leave me, Dalphon? Of a 
truth, I am grateful for even a slave’s affection. Try your 
new life of freedom a little, and if you like it not, come 
back to me. So faithful a friend is not to be spurned 
lightly. But rid yourself of yonder block. The fellow 
seems made of ice, and to possess a frozen tongue. We 
will go on, then, together, to the town. But there it is ex- 
pedient that our ways diverge, for a time at least.” 

Dalphon bowed his acknowledgement, and fell back to 
his place. 

This singular group of riders in Moorfsh costume might 
well draw a crowd in the streets of Toledo. But Basilio 
flung a handful of coin among them, and hurried on to the 
chief house of entertainment for travelers ; and sending for 
a magistrate, explained that he was a Spaniard who had 
long been kept detained in Granda, and who had just 
made his escape. He told, too, the unfortunate fate of the 
Bastilian princess. As he anticipated he was treated with 
marked courtesy. He came back to the room where he 
had left his companions, dressed in the robes of a Spanish 
grandee, and looking in truth a very nobleman by nature. 
He came forward with a proud smile, and started to per- 
ceive that Xina likewise had been restored to her true 
estate. 

The hateful Moorish costume was discarded. Her face 
had been clensed from its darkened hue, her beautiful hair 
uncoiled and gracefully braided around her head, and 
wore the flowing silken garments of a Spanish lady. 


102 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA, 


^‘Why, you have improved the time, loveliest Xina. 
Whence procured you the garments? ” 

Dalphon sent the inn-keeper’s daughter for them. The 
others were travel-stained as well as odious.” 

Dalphon is the wisest and most thoughtful of his race. 
You will be sorry to part from him,” said Basilio. 

Nevertheless, it will be inevitable, I fear. I shall pro- 
ceed as soon as you are rested ” 

^‘Not to Madrid,” interrupted Dalphon, suddenly; 
you will not dare to venture thither] ” 

And why not? ” retorted Basilio, turning around with 
a frown. In truth, I mean not to tarry. I shall find my 
way to the sea-coast, and seek a home in France. But why 
should I not tarry if I choose in Madrid ? ” 

Because of the Spanish knight. Sir Ildefonse, you re- 
member ” said Dalphon, firmly, although the angry 

red burnt up over Basilio’ s face. 

^^And what of him?” demanded Basilio. Is your 
brain turned, Dalphon ? What should I care about 
him ? ” 

^‘And the Count Montholio,” pursued Dalphon, 
steadily. 

Basilio glared at him. 

You are demented, Dalphon ! What more? ” 

Dalphon had made a scarcely perceptible gesture which 
Minto obeyed by leaving the room. He turned toward 
Basilio again, his eye growing fierce and wild. 

And more than that, Basilio. Madrid should have ugly 
memories for you. A ghost should rise from the dark 
waters of the Tagus, to shriek into your ears the name of 
Anita. ’ ’ 

Anita ! ” gasped Basilio, his cheek paling and his eyes 
dilating, despite his best efforts. 

^‘Aye, Anita. Hist again! Anita — Count Montholio 
— Sir Ildefonse! These be three dark, ghostly shades to 
rise to meet thee at Madrid. Dare you face them ? ” 
Basilio, ghastly pale^ clenched his hand and shook it in 
Dalphon’ s face. 

What have you done? How have you ferreted out 
these secrets? After such faithful service I know not what 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 


103 


it means, this insolence ; but say another word and I for- 
get your good deeds and give you instant death ! ” 

A low, contemptuous laugh burst from Dalphon. 

Basilio, least of all should I fear you now, and I have 
never trembled at your wrath, anywhere, at any time. ’ ’ 

Basilio turned to the pale, silent listener. 

Come Princess Xina, let us leave this mad creature to 
himself.’’ 

‘‘Countess Christina, do not stir,” calmly spoke Dal- 
phon. 

“ Are you the Evil One, himself? ” demanded Basilio, 
shaking now in every limb. 

“ I think rather I am an avenging ghost,” returned Dal- 
phon, with a bitter laugh. Then turning, in a solemn 
voice he cried : 

“Basilio, Basilio, report your sins forego your selfish 
aims, and for once be generous and noble. Take the 
maiden where she belongs ! “ Picture to yourself a father’s 

anguish, and have compassion. Trample no longer on 
bleeding hearts to satisfy your own fierce passions. Oh, 
Basilio ! it is for your own sake I plead. Repent, repent, 
Basilio ! ” 

“In the name of evil, who are you? ” demanded again 
Basilio’ s stiff, cold lips. 

“ You shall know full soon enough. I have already told 
you I am an avenging ghost. Think of all the evil you 
have done, and repent. Remember that brave young 
knight, so handsome, so noble, so chivalrous and true, that 
even the Moors admired and reverenced him. Basilio, it 
was your poison which decreed his death. Have you no 
compassion, no remorse? ” 

Basilio shook, whethei* with passion or anguish nobody 
but himself could know, but he gave no answer. 

“ Was there no thrill within your heart to tell you who 
he was, poor wretch ? Hist, Basilio, and doubt me not. 
You know I have spoken the truth hitherto, and I speak 
not fasely now. Ildefonse was the son of Anita, and who 
was father of Anita’s child ? ” 

“ It is a lie ! ” burst from Basilio. 

“It is heaven’s truth. He was your own son wretched 


104 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA, 


man. A son such as the hautiest noble in Gastle would re- 
joice to own, and you sent him to his death.” 

I will not believe you ! It cannot be, for Anita 
died ! ” vociferated the tortured man in a hoarse voice. 

‘^She died^ did you say? You should mean to say she 
was murdered. Yes, the dark waters of the Tagus opened 
for her, and closed again over her head. But whose hand 
thrust her forth, fiercely unclasping the wild hands catch- 
ing at the boat ? Speak, Wizard of Granada ! You are 
skilled in reading dark secrets ; answer me : Who was 
Anita’s murderer ? ” 

The drops of sweat stood on Basilio’s forehead; he 
glared at the ‘speaker wildly, his livid lips moved but gave 
forth no sound. 

Well, no matter. Anita’s ghost has well avenged her. 
You could not fly from it, not even in your secret cells in the 
Granada wizard’s house. And yet you swore once that she 
was dearer than all the world beside. You won her poor, 
simple heart, you were father to her child, but when the 
beautiful and wealthy countess came, you turned away from 
her. You longed to be rid of her, and you succeeded. She 
trusted your assumed tenderness, and accompanied you 
when your boat shot out upon the river, but you returned 
alone. Basilio. Anita was left behind. You thought 
mother and child slept in the same safe grave under the 
Tagus. You knew not her child was already born and 
safely cared for. But what availed the crime, Basilio? 
You could not win the noble maiden, after all. She chose 
the Count Montholio. And then in your fierce anger, to 
gratify your revengeful spirit, you stole their child, and was 
as surely the means of the noble countess’ death, as if you 
had plunged your dagger into her heart. You fled away to 
Granada. You exchanged the babe for the royal infant, to 
whose death bed you were called in frantic haste by the 
frightened nurse, who knew her own life would pay the 
penalty of her carelessness. And the years fled on, and 
your magician’s art brought you gold, and steadily your 
power grew and your plans prospered. 

The Princess Xina became your pupil, the king chose 
you as his confidant ; all things worked auspiciously, even 
your slave Dalphon was true and faithful to your interest. 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 


10 $ 

Then the new admiration of love, if you choose to call 
it so, the determination to win the Princess Xina for 
yourself, grew with her dawning womanhood. You laid 
your plans and bided patiently. You changed your, 
wealth quietly for gems of priceless value which could be 
carried away at a moment’s notice. You guessed not 
who watched all, every moment, every new plan, who 
mastered all your secret panels and underground passages. 
Nay, who knows even more than yourself. For once you 
fairly succeeded in your oft repeated and baffling exper- 
iments. Your picture remained perfect through its last 
solution once, and stood the test of a day in the sunshine, 
but you never knew it ; while your back was turned a 
hand seized it, changed it for another plate, and secretly 
added a new ingredient to your crucible that you might 
not chance again upon the like success. And you never 
guessed it all. Ha, ha ! Dalphon learned much from his 
master, among the rest to wait patiently for revenge. 
You guessed not whose message stirred Count Montholio’s 
heart to send the knight, your own son, to search for the 
lost Countess Christina. You guessed not who silently 
but surely marred your plans, your ultimate success, even 
though consent was given that you should reach this 
spot. ” 

^^In the name of heaven, who are you?” again im- 
plored Basilio, grasping at a chair for support to his shak- 
ing limbs. 

‘‘Are you repentant?” demanded Dalphon, not so 
sternly, but their was a quivering cadence in the voice. 

Basilio shaded his eyes with his hand. 

“I know not,” he muttered in a troubled tone, “but 
there are two memories which stir me strangely, that he 
was my own son, that brave, young knight, and the 
thought of his hapless mother, she loved me so — my poor 
Anita. ’ ’ 

A splash of tears fell suddenly upon Dalphon’s cheek, 
and as they coursed down they left a pale streak behind 
them. The Ethiopian’s complexion was plainly assumed. 

“ Basilio, if you could call them back, if you could undo 
your wicked deeds, would you give to Ildefonse the hand 


io6 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA, 


of the maiden who loves him, and who will never love you, 
as a proof that your repentance is genuine? ” 

Basilio was shaken like a reed with many strange, start- 
ling thoughts and new emotions. 

^ ^ If I could go back to my old innocence, if I could be 
simply Montez the Spaniard with Anita alive, and our boy 
here, I would give more — all my diamonds, all my carefully 
stored knowledge, and Xina a thousand times,” burst from 
him with a deep sob. 

A glad, thrilling smile, singular effect upon that dark 
face, came with Dalphon’s answer. 

‘^Basilio, thou hast been called the' Wizard of Granada, 
but my art is higher than thine. I can call from the Al- 
hambra’s cell its poisoned prisoner. Ildefonse, come 
hither ! ’ ’ 

The door unclosed at once, and Sir Ildefonse walked in, 
clad in his own knightly garb, with his good sword flashing 
at his side. 

Basilio retreated a step or two, then came forward. 

Alive ? now may Heaven be praised,” he said huskily, 
and turned to Xina. 

Speak, Xina, is it true, dost thou love him, this gallant 
knight who deserves a better father ? ” 

Xina’s eloquent hands outstretched toward Ildefonse, 
were better answer than words. Basilio took her hand and 
put it into the knight’s tender clasp. 

‘^Take her, Ildefonse, and in her tender love, her noble 
character, be recompensed for the cruel fate which gave you 
such a father.” 

A father ! ” stammered Ildefonse, ^^what mean you? ” 

Heard you not? Dalphon, mysterious oracle that he 
is, declares it so. Do you disdain to own the relation- 
ship ?” 

There was a painful chord in the voice, imploring and 
pathetic. 

Involuntarily Ildefonse had fallen back, his face troubled 
and grave. It was hard indeed at such a moment, with 
Xina’s hand in his, to acknowledge for a father the vindic- 
tive, crime-stained man he had known as Basilio. 

^Ht is meet punishment,” groaned Basilio, turning has- 
tily to hide the spasm of grief. ‘‘Dalphon, oh, that my 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 107 

power were potent enough to give me better consolation ; 
Anita would forgive me everything. My poor, poor 
Anita ! 

But Dalphon had slipped noiselessly, with that step so 
thoroughly practiced to silent movement, from the room. 

Basilio was too worn out with the terrible excitement of 
his own emotions to follow. He sat down and laid his 
blanched face in his trembling hands. 

A touch on his shoulder presently aroused him. He 
looked up. A tall woman, in black dress, with a black 
mantilla over her shoulders, stood before him. The face 
was pale and worn, but with traces of a beauty which ten- 
derness would soon revive. The eyes were deep, passion- 
ately tender, and of a purplish blackness. Those eyes 
spoke for themselves. 

Oh, holy saints ! ” cried out Basilo. Anita, speak, 
tell me it is you and not your ghost.” 

Basilio, it is Anita, who was saved from the river, who 
left her child with Count Montholio and followed her hus- 
band.” 

‘^Followed me — ” repeated Basilio, ^clinging to her 
hands, and speaking bewilderingly. 

Aye, followed you to Granada.” 

I am dazed, I am bewildered and cannot think,” said 
Basilio, in a troubled voice. 

Basilio, I was Dalphon. My heart has been fierce and 
hot, I meant to crush you here with my revenge. I thought 
to go with my son and turn from you pitilessly. But — but 
— a woman’s heart is strong and her will is weak, — I can- 
not hate you. I grieve for you, I — I — love you still, Ba- 
silio.” 

The voice was faint and faltering, with difficulty held 
from breaking forth into a sob. The dark, melancholy, 
beautiful eyes misty with tears, the hands held forth trem- 
blingly. 

Basilio seized them with passionate vehemence. 

‘ ‘ Anita, will you trust me once more ? Can I go back 
again over the wretched pathway of remorse, and come into 
something like innocence again, something not worthy, 
but sufficient to encourage your forgiveness and affec- 
tion?” 


io8 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 


Basilio, if you will only try, I will help you so earn- 
estly, I will love you so devotedly.” 

Heaven be my witness, I am sincere in my desire to 
atone for my sinfulness. I will begin anew. Perhaps you 
will yet teach our son to forgive me.” • 

Has he refused ? Ildefonse, are you so cruel to me ? ” 
exclaimed Anita, reproachfully. 

‘^To you,” faltered Ildefonse. 

‘‘To your mother, Ildefonse, to the mother who has 
brought you out of all these difficulties. Have you not 
guessed it ? ” 

There was no reluctance here. Ildefonse sprang forward 
and kissed her again. 

“ My mother, my mother ; oh, how wonderful it seems.” 

“But you have found a father, likewise,” she said, im- 
patient that he should join in her generous forgiveness. 
“ Speak to your father, Ildefonse. You remember how I 
warned you not to harm him.” 

Ildefonse slowly turned and held out his hand. 

“When I see my mother righted before the world and 
tenderly treated^ then I shall be ready to forget all the in- 
justice I have received at your hands.” ■ 

“You are right,” answered Basilio, “words are easily 
spoken, but promises may be broken. Deeds cannot be 
doubted. I shall prove to you my sincere repentance. Al- 
ready I am strangely light-hearted. It was so heavy, that 
weight of sin. Anita, my faithful, generous wife, let us go 
hence and leave these young people to pursue their journey 
alone. This son, ^ho has been deserted by both parents 
deserves atonement. I will divide my store of diamonds 
with him. It will endow him with a fortune which will 
raise him to a position fit to ask of Count Montholio his 
heiress and daughter. For us, we will not darken his 
bright career. You will take them Ildefonse ” 

The knight made a gesture of dissent, but an imploring 
look from his mother checked the words of refusal. 

Basilio unclasped a wide morocco belt beneath his Span- 
ish tunic, took a dagger from his girdle and cut it in halves. 
He handed one to Anita and laid the other in the hand of 
Ildefonse. 

“lam ashamed of my churlish spirit,” broke forth Ilde- 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 109 

fonse. ‘^Forgive me, my father, I will doubt you no 
more.’^ 

Father and son grasped hands over the trembling, grate- 
ful clasp of the two tearful women. They sat down pres- 
ently to a long and joyful, however agitated explanation. 

<‘It is so startling, so bewildering,” said Xina, smiling 
through her happy tears. ‘^To think we four are safely 
here in Castile, so transformed, all of us.” 

‘‘Yes, strangely changed. They must all perish, the 
Princess Xina, the Wizard of Granada, Dalphon and silent 
Minto. All must be left behind with the land of the Mos- 
lem. In new characters, with new names, I trust, we shall 
go forth to a wiser and better life,” answered Anita, sol- 
emnly. 

“I wish we had known something of Prince Azim’s 
fate,” observed Ildefonse. “ He was too noble and refined 
for a Moor.” 

“I never could understand him,” said Basilio. “There 
was a nameless something about him which perplexed and 
baffled me. I always had the impression that somehow he 
was an enigma.” 

“ Let it be read here, with all the rest,” said Anita, as 
she exchanged a significant smile with Xina. 

Whereupon, smiling and blushing, Xina leaned against 
her lover’s shoulder and whispered a word in his ear. 

He could not have looked more astonished if the ground 
had opened beneath his feet. 

“ Can it be possible ; how could I have been so blind ? ’* 

Basilio looked at them inquiringly. 

“It is another of Dalphon’s mysteries,” said his wife. 
‘ ‘ It was natural I should take an interest in the Princess 
Xina, knowing as I did her true name and birth. I aided 
iier very often in escaping from the seraglio life, so irksome 
and wearing' to one of her high spirit. One day a courier 
arrived in hot haste at the Alhambra, mourning the sudden 
and violent death of Azim, the king’s younger brother, 
who according to Moorish habits, had been reared away 
from home, and was quite a stranger to his royal brother. 

“The king was absent, and Xina conceived the wild 
project of assuming her supposed brother’s character as a 
method of enjoying the free life she coveted. The courier, 


no 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 


who was the son of the Moorish teacher entrusted with the 
care of the heir presumptive, was only too glad to assent to 
the plan, provided they were shielded from punishment, in 
case of its failure. For young Azim was killed by means 
of their culpable carelessness. I promised my assistance, 
and the courier returned without communicating his tidings. 
A few months after Azim was sent for, and we managed 
thereafter that Xina should be able to simulate and sustain 
both characters. There were only two trusty servants to 
whom the secret was known. It was a hazardous experi- 
ment, but it gave great liberty to Xina, and while it made 
her life far happier, it broadened and strengthened her 
character. I only trembled for her discovery when in your 
presence, Basilio, for I could see that you were always puz- 
zled by Prince Azim.’' 

^ ‘ She must receive credit for masterly acting. No won- 
der Prince Azim’s disappearance was such a mystery, even 
to the king,” returned Basilio. 

Ah, yes, imagine during that last day at the Alhambra, 
while surrounded every instant by guards, how I longed to 
force access to the closet where I kept the clothing, turban 
and jetty beard of Prince Azim, But I could not even ob- 
tain speech with any trusty servants, who were all under 
arrest. But it was to this powerful friend I owe my inimi- 
table disguise, and she had access, Basilio, to all your sci- 
ence. Yet I knew her not as Dalphon. She was always a 
strange gray apparition, half mortal and half ghostly. You 
have seen her so, Ildefonse,” said Xina. 

‘‘But our acting and our disguises are all ended. Let 
us be thankful for it,” added Anita, earnestly. 

“I have been troubled remembering my poor Alana ; 
can you tell me anything about him? ” asked Ildefonse. 

“ Prince Azim sent him forward that night of the king’s 
departure for the battle. He was not with the Spanish 
captives, and without doubt escaped to the frontier.” 

“That will complete my satisfaction,” said Ildefonse 
hastily. “Now then let us hasten to relieve Count Mon- 
tholio’s suspense, and gladden his heart by the restoration 
of his daughter.” 

Basilio had drawn his wife aside and was talking to her 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 


Ill 


in a low voice. She listened earnestly and presently came 
back to her son. 

' ‘ Ildefonse, your father is right. It is better that you 
should go forward alone. He shrinks from meeting Count 
Montholio yet. A little time will heal all these sensitive 
wounds, though the* scars remain. He will send by you a 
heartfelt prayer for forgiveness. We will wait here until 
we know how Christina’s father receives this revelation. It 
is possible we may make it our home in Toledo, for it will 
be hard for your father to go back to the old scenes. We 
shall be near enough to see each other often, to hear from 
each other regularly; I am inclined to agree with him that 
our homes had better be apart.” 

And so it was decided. The next day the youthful lovers 
were able to resume their journey, and they were thankful 
indeed that they had made no further delay, when they ar- 
rived at the castle of Count Montholio, and learned that 
the sad tidings from the expedition into Granada had ef- 
fected him so seriously as to endanger his life and waste his 
feeble strength. 

Feeble and wan and tremulous he received Ildefonse at 
his bedside. The latter had not dared entrust his import- 
ant tidings to any careless tongue, and went in alone to 
prepare him for the good news which might prostrate him 
as easily as evil tidings. 

All the saints be praised that you are safely home 
again, my gallant boy,” said the old count, laying his at- 
tenuated hand on that of the knight. 

I feared you were slain as well as our noble princess. 
Thank heaven that you are home again, even though your 
quest was hopeless.” 

I grieve to find you so ill, my noble friend, my gener- 
ous benefactor,” exclaimed Ildefonse, deeply moved at 
sight of his feebleness. 

‘Mt is nothing, I go soon to join my angel wife. The 
summons will not be hard to obey. But tell me if you 
learned aught of Montez or the child.” 

did, dear Count Montholio. I learned that the child 
had already been cared for. She was reared in the Alham- 
bra itself as a royal princess.” 

‘‘ But she is dead ” 


II2 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 


Nay, she is alive.” 

^^And married to an accursed Moor, wedded to their 
customs. She would not come to an unknown father. I 
see — I see — ” said the count, sorrowfully. 

Nay, nay. I found her safe, unmarried, lovely and 
gifted and good. Dear, dear Count Montholio, only be 
calm, and I will bring her to you.” 

The count stretched out two shaking arms and almost 
shrieked 

My child, my child, bring her to me.” 

Ildefonse hastened to give the signal for Xina’s appear- 
ance. 

She came in pale and agitated, but with a sweet, touch- 
ing smile of tender affection. 

^^My Christina’s living image! ” ejaculated the count, 

you need not show me the birthmark, I need no other 
evidence than that face.” 

He opened his feeble arms, and Xina sank into them. A 
blissful, holy silence kept the room for many minutes. 
Then the count raised the stately head resting upon his 
shoulder and looked fondly into the beautiful face. 

My Christina’s living image 1 ” he repeated, ^Mt is 
almost like having her again. Ildefonse, how can I repay 
you for this.” 

My benefactor, my father, I owed you more than this 
long agt). Let me give you a cordial, and presently yoil 
shall hear all this eventful history.” 

The count drank the cordial, still holding his daughter’s 
hand. 

am so feeble, so feeble,” he murmured, ^^a little 
time gone and I was rejoicing at this proof of my speedy 
re-union with my angel wife. Now it grieves me that you 
will be left unprotected, my child.” 

Never that, while I live,” ejaculated Ildefonse fer- 
vently. Let me tell you all. 

The count listened intently. He was evidently much 
exhausted and unable to talk, but when at length theknight 
paused he took his daughter’s hand and laid it gently in 
that of Ildefonse, while a smile of perfect happiness 
played over his face. 

Tell your father, because I love you so much and am 


THE WIZARD OF GRANADA, 


I13 

so sinful and erring myself. I hold no slightest shade of 
resentment. If I had found her otherwise, it might be dif- 
ferent; but so gifted and lovely and tenderly reared, how 
can I regret it ? She will be heiress to all my possessions. 
Had I dreamed of her claim upon them, I had been less 
lavish.” 

She will need naught,” Ildefonse hastened to say, sin- 
cerely grateful for Basilio’s gift. My father has given 
me a generous fortune.” 

That is well,” feebly whispered the count. Heaven 
will bless you, my good children.” 

There was silence fora long time. The invalid, seemed 
dozing, and they dared not disturb him. Suddenly he 
started and opened his eyes. An ineffably happy smile 
played over the whitening lips. 

^Ht is very beautiful ! ” he said, I am so happy. And 
it ended successfully, the knight’s quest.” 

‘Hs he wandering?” whispered Xina, a vague alarm 
creeping into her eyes, his hand is so cold, Ildefonse.” 

Ildefonse bent over him. 

A gray ghastliness was rapidly changing the face, the 
eyes were fixed and glassy, but the blissful smile was still 
there.^ When the wan eyelids dropped they scarcely knew 
that the breath had stopped likewise. But Ildefonse per- 
ceived it at last. 

My Christina,” said he, taking her tenderly into his 
arms, we cannot mourn that this true and noble soul has 
gone to its reward.” 

8 


ATOSSA’S DREAM. 


The low, short swells of the sea came breaking, in lines 
of snowy foam, against the rocky shores of -Lemnos, en- 
croaching farther and farther over the sand, until their 
cool salute washed the uncovered feet of a young Greek 
girl, standing on the shore just below the beach, where a 
flock of sea-birds were swooping noisily away from their 
nests amid the crevices of the great rock, Monte Santo. 

She was standing motionless, her sad, gazelle like eyes 
fixed wistfully upon the background of the scene, where 
the gray rocks and the barren, treeless hills lay dismal and 
passive, responding not, like the neighboring isles, with 
luxuriant foliage, and balmy orange perfume to the ardent, 
vivifying smile of the sunshine. And something of the 
pallor and arid inertness of the soil was betrayed also in 
that fair, young face, lacking the joyous life and the brill- 
iant bloom of youthful gayety.’ A weary, touching expres- 
sion of sorrow nestled around the sweet, childish lips, and 
dimmed the lustrous blackness of the large, full eye, while 
a listless air of exhaustion and languor robbed the symmet- 
rical form of half its grace, attired as it was in coarse, 
faded garments, little befitting so young and fair a wearer. 

With a plaintive sigh the eyes were slowly withdrawn, 
and grasping a long rake-like implement, she resumed her 
employment, gathering the floating sea-weed into a huge 
pile, and then grasping it, all wet and slimy, in her round, 
white arms, and carrying it to a large basket on the sand. 
The sunshine was fiercely warm, and the drops of perspira- 
tion beaded the broad, white forehead, which was of that 
peculiar complexion that wind and sun cannot distain 
longer than the momentary burning. Still she toiled on 
perseveringly, and not till the basket was well heaped with 
its dripping contents did she pause again; then, with an- 


ATOSSA^S DREAM. 


IIS 

other sigh, this time of rehef, she raised her lithe, slender 
figure erect, and unwound the white coif of handkerchief 
that shaded her forehead, turning her face gratefully to- 
ward the fresh sea-breeze that came across the water ; and 
while she gazed dreamily upon the heaving waves, a soft 
smile imparted wonderful beauty to her hitherto impassive 
face, and she murmured audibly : 

/‘That was the way the great ship bore me on. The 
beautiful dream comes again and again. The hope 
brightens, and my heart grows light and cheery. Surely 
the reality is near.” 

And like one newly strengthened and invigorated by 
some magic elixir, she resumed her basket and rake, and 
with the awkward burden toiled along the beach, around 
the great rock, up toward the inland hills. The beaten 
footpath leading off from the shore soon widened into a 
smooth road, which wound through a fertile valley, rarely 
luxuriant in verdure and vegetation for that portion of the 
island. 

From a closely embowered vine-hill came to the ear of 
the patient toiler a merry burst of laughter. She turned 
her hand uneasily, while a flush crossed her cheek, and she 
increased her pace, hurrying along evidently to escape ob- 
servation. But the broad green leaves were parted by a 
pretty face thrust through them, while a laughing voice 
cried out : 

“ See here, comrades, here is Atossa. She has filled her 
basket early. Shall I not ask her to join your sports? ” 

At the words a bevy of picturesquely attired maidens, in 
their scarlet bodices, short, full skirts and gay trousers, 
came flitting like birds from out the shrubbery, followed by 
as many stalwart peasant youths. 

“ Look you,” cried one, in tones too sweet and silvery 
for such stinging words. “ See how the splendid contents 
of Atossa’ s basket shames our poor purple clusters. What 
a valuable harvest she has gathered ! How now, Atossa, 
does this trip realize a fortune for thee ? Tell us the secret, 
that we may grow as rich as thou ! ” 

A shout of laughter from her companions made the 
pretty Katinka blind to the sudden spasm of pain that 
quivered around Atossa’ s lips, and veiled the flooded eyes 


ii6 


A TOSS A’ S DREAM. 


with their heavily fringed lids ; and elated with their ap- 
plause and her own giddy vivacity, she continued, mock- 
ingly : 

Wherefore, charming Atossa, art thou alone and unat- 
tended? Methought a train of admirers followed thee 
whenever thou didst move abroad. Are they waiting for 
thee at thy palace home? Nay, nay,” interposing her 
sylph form in the way as poor Atossa attempted to pass in 
silent, sorrowful humiliation, ^Uhou canst not pass until 
thou hast revealed the graceful pattern of that dainty at- 
tire. Such fabric could surely come only from the bazaars 
of Athens.” 

Another chorus of laughter, and though her eyes were 
downcast, the hapless girl could feel the scorching gaze of 
every eye around her. Then suddenly a flash of indigna- 
tion burning in her heart flamed up into her face, drifting 
its sparkle into her eye and its fiery flush over her cheek, 
and she looked up boldly. 

You do well, Katinka, you who are beloved and happy, 
with a plentiful home and tender parents. You do well to 
laugh and jeer at a poor orphan, alone and helpless, trying 
to earn her bread honestly. Let me pass. Truly I am not 
a fit mate for you or your happy companions. I would 
not wound or grieve a sea-gull needlessly, much more a suf- 
fering fellow creature. Let me pass, I say.” 

The proud humility of the tone had an indescribable 
pathos. It touched her thoughtless comrades, and Katinka 
perceived it, but with perverse wilfulness determined not to 
listen to the inward reproach of conscience. 

^‘Nay, truly, noble Atossa,” she answered lightly, ‘^1 
never for a moment presumed to mate with thee. I am 
never favored with wonderful visions of grandeur. What 
was the dream she described to you, Mena ? Let us hear 
it again — about the palace Konee, and the royal garments, 
and above all, the grand Athenian hero, who was to take 
her away from Lemnos, and her despairing train of suitors; ” 
and gazing at the forlorn, meanly clad sea-weed gatherer, 
so strong a contrast to the shining picture her words pre- 
sented, Katinka’s musical laugh rang out loud and clear, 
and forgetting their momentary compassion, the others 
joined her again. 


ATOSSA'S DREAM. 


I17 


But Atossa’s full red lip curled in scorn. Laugh on,” 
cried she, a sudden inspiration waking a loveliness in her 
countenance winning enough to have deserved the happiest 
fate. ‘‘Laugh on, ye cannot hinder such glorious visions 
from brightening a lot even as sad and desolate as mine. 
Scorn and scoff now j who knows but sometime I may hear 
you implore me to forgive and forget it all, and may rejoice 
that my heart is not hard enough to refuse the request. It 
is true, I am not ashamed to own how often the dream has 
come to me. It cheered my sleep throughout the night, 
and this morning I awoke in eager delight, to weep at find- 
ing myself still only Atossa, the poor sea- weed gatherer. 
But time is hurrying on like the waves of the sea, and it 
must surely be nearer, for a voice within me that cannot lie 
assures me it shall some time come to pasSc” 

As she spoke she raised her basket, threw back her head 
with the grace and haughty stateliness of a queen, and with 
eyes fixed on vacancy, as though a star of promise shone 
there before her, she passed unmolested througlr the startled 
group. 

All unknown to herself an admiring eye was fixed upon 
her, and an eager ear had caught every word of the con- 
versation that had passed. Behind a well covered lattice of 
vines stood a tall figure equipped in shining mail and lofty 
helmet, surmounted by black, nodding plumes, holding his 
gallant horse by the rein, and checking with a warning ges- 
ture the movement of the attendant behind him. As the 
maiden continued down the road, the horseman followed 
quietly, and when Atossa at length reached the humble, 
dilapidated cottage she called her home, and sank down on 
the bench in the doorway with a burst of tears, she was 
startled by the deep-toned voice which asked : 

“ Will the maiden give a cup of cold water to a thirsty 
traveler ? ” 

Looking up hastily, the heart of Atossa gave a sudden 
bound. The face was that of the traveler she had seen 
many months before, whose countenance had, ever since, 
been identical with that of the hero of her dream. Yet she 
said nothing, but took her only ewer and ran over to the 
spring that bubbled down the hillside close beside her door, 


Il8 ATOSSA^S DREAM, 

and in a moment was holding toward him with her trem- 
bling hands the cooling draught. 

Nodding his thanks, the' majestic horseman gazed inquir- 
ingly into the downcast face, so fair and sweet but for that 
look of cold and listless despondency. Pointing down to 
the pale, pink flowerets smiling up from the grassy plot, he 
said significantly : 

The flowers are not yet wet with dewdrops ; wherejfore 
is the fairer cheek of the maiden distained by tears? ” 

Atossa bluslied, and then answered sorrowfully : 

‘‘The flowers and Atossa are not wisely compared. 
Flowers have sunlight warm and tender, and the gentle dew 
administers to all their wants. They bud and bloom and 
die amid kindred blossoms, but Atossa is alone, and for her 
are alone the sharp wind, and the chilling rain, and the 
gloomy cloud. 

^ “ Where is thy father, hapless child ? ” 

“ His grave is far away in some distant corner of Greece 
— I have never seen it. My mother’s is there beside it. I 
was brought hither by some friend of my grandfather Aris- 
togiton, but it is long now since I have heard the voice or 
word of friendship.” 

“ What, Aristogiton — Aristogiton of Athens, dost thou 
mean ? He who delivered our beloved city from the tyrant, 
whose statue adorns our public square? ” 

“He was an Athenian. I remember to have heard he 
aided Greece by some brave deed, but he is dead long ago, 
and is of little help to his grandchild.” 

The noble stranger’s face was smiling and eager. 

“ Ay, brave enough was the deed. What didst thou say 
they called thee ? Atossa ? Let me remember it— Atossa, 
the granddaughter of Aristogiton. Thanks, sweet Atossa, 
for the cup of water. Many a flagon of rare old wine has 
seemed less delicious to the lips of Clisthenes. And now 
farewell.” 

He waved his plumed helmet gallantly, gave her a glance 
of admiring sympathy, that thrilled strangely the most hid-, 
den fibre of the heart, and springing lightly to his saddle, 
he rode swiftly away; while Atossa, creeping slowly back 
to her seat, buried her face in her hands and sobbed as if 
her heart would break. 


1 19 


A rOSSA’S DREAM. 

She had forgotten the ridicule and unkindness of Katinka 
and her gay companions, the dismal poverty and hard neces- 
sities of her toilsome life. One deeper, more bitter grief 
oppressed her — the sudden dashing down of the cherished 
hope that had fluttered to such an airy height. He had gone, 
the hero of her dream — ^just when she had deemed the glad 
fulfilment near he had said farewell. Hope was idle now. 
She rose up, dashed away her tears, and cold and white and 
shivering, took up her basket once rnore to carry it down to 
her employer, and receive the pitiful coin that should pro- 
vide the bread she scarcely believed herself able to swal- 
low. 

A great commotion and excitement pervaded the town, 
and she passed group after group of eager talkers, too 
apathetic to heed their words, till she caught sight of a re- 
treating body of horsemen, the sunlight glittering brightly 
on their shining mail and brilliant equipments, and tow- 
ering above them all she beheld one tall figure with sable 
plumes streaming gracefully out upon the dallying breeze. 
Then, while the clouds of dust hid the horsemen from her 
straining eyes, her awakened ear caught these words in 
Katinka’s musical, excited voice : 

‘ ‘ O, Mena ! Mena ! did you hear what the noble 
Athenian said ? Clisthenes is his name. ‘ Pretty Katinka,’ 
said he, ‘ I have seen you before, and I shall see you again. 
I shall come as a bridegroom ere many moons have waned.’ 
O, Mena ! who ever thought such as* honor would come to 
a peasant of Lemnos ! ” 

Atossa heard it all, and she gathered even more from the 
coquettish toss of Katinka’s graceful head, and the admiring, 
astonished pride of the mother of the girl, who, with a 
bevy of matrons around her, was relating all the particulars 
of the arrival and departure of the Athenians. Accidentally 
the eye of the happy speaker fell upon Atossa, and in the 
sudden generosity of her own complacent delight, she broke 
in upon her theme : 

‘^Ah, there is that poor, wretched Atossa. Really, 
neighbor, the girl is not so plainly featured, after all. If it 
were not for her wretched poverty and destitution, who 
knows but she might find some peasant willing to take her 


120 


ATOSSA^S DREAM. 


for his wife. We must look to such poor unfortunates and 
try to aid them.’^ 

Atossa heard every word^ and then with the pitiful price 
of her hard labor on the beach, like one stunned by some 
fearful blow, took her way homeward. Arriving there, she 
laid the coin down upon the table, and glanced around the 
bare, bleak walls, taking in at once the full amount of 
misery in the dreary, isolated, toilsome life before her, the 
sneers and scoffing of ihe unfeeling world without, the 
yearning, unsatisfied, shivering heart within ; and, closing 
her eyes, she laid her head on her arms and her arms on the 
table above the coin. 

The red sun went down beneath the gold and purple 
clouds behind the mountains. One by one came out the 
stars from the mist, hanging where the sea and sky 
mingled, and kept their silent vigil through the livelong 
night, until Aurora’s blushing cheek once more received the 
glowing kiss of Phoebus, and still against the senseless 
board reclined the listless arms, the drooping head, but 
when the sunshine came in once more, touching with a 
warm and pitying caress the cold, white face, Atossa lifted 
her dark rimmed, sleepless eyes, and with a ghastly smile 
rose and proceeeded quietly about her accustomed duties. 

Days came and went. The step of the maiden grew 
slow and heavy among the sands of the sea shore. A 
darker gloom settled on the. pallid face. The white arms 
lost something of the’ir symmetrical roundness, and on the 
thin hands one could see more plainly the blue courses of 
the veins, yet there was none to heed or seek with anxious 
tenderness to revive the failing strength. 

As she passed along from her dismal home to the lonely, 
moaning beach, the wayside opened to her bright glimpses 
of peasant hilarity, and domestic love and happiness. 
Often too she came across the gay little Katinka, fluttering 
here and there about the neighborhood, too happy and 
elated with the approaching grandeur of an Athenian home 
to be long quiet or industrious. So she was soon aware of 
the arrival of a messenger from Athens, with a mandate 
from the distinguished Clisthenes, requesting Katinka and 
the villagers generally to make ready for a festival to be 
celebrated when he should arrive to claim a bride in 


• ATOSSA^S DREAM, 


I2I 


Lemnos ; and as a surety of his coming he sent a chain of 
gold, bearing a singular antique cross of jet. Atossa her- 
self saw it glittering in a shining line around Katinka’s fair, 
white throat, and her heart fluttered strangely between a 
sigh and a smile as she thought, At least I shall see him 
once rhore.” 

She often saw the messenger, who remained in the vil- 
lage, but he never spoke with her, although he seemed to 
watch carefully all her movements The glitter of the 
golden links that were such a pride and treasure to Katinka, 
seemed to have power like a cruel sword to wound and slay 
the hapless seaweed gatherer. Every day she returned home 
more wan and pale, until at length came a morning when 
her feeble limbs refused to bear her forth. Sinking down 
upon her couch and resting her giddy head against the 
pillow, Atossa’ s white lips ejaculate faintly ; 

^^It is well. Perchance even -now the dream has not 
played me false. Death may be the barque that was to 
bear me away from grief and pain.” 

Swooning with deadly sickness, she lay there alone 
through the livelong day. When night came she found 
strength to creep up to the ewer and cool her parched lips 
with the little water left there. Not a drop did her greedy 
thirst leave for another hour of need. But she gave no 
thought beyond the present. Ill and helpless, without food 
or water, with no friends to minister to her wants, or even 
to know that aid’ was needed, she had hot interest enough in 
life to question how it could best be preserved in this dire 
extremity. One only vision shone before her — the jet cross 
and golden chaip of Katinka. One only thought whirled 
through her aching brain Clisthenes had chosen another, and 
she had lost the hero of her dream. 

Unconsciousness mercifully came to avert delirium. A 
stranger hand ministered to her needs. With quiet 
authority the Athenian messenger commanded, a matron 
of the town to procure needful assistance and medicines', 
and for once plenty abounded in Atossa’ s humble cottage. 
The curious women wondered much how the stranger became 
acquainted with the illness of the neglected girl, and why ^ 
he scattered gold so plentifully in her behalf. They could 
not guess how narrowly he had watched every movement 


122 


A TOSS A' S DTE AM. 


of the lonely maiden, nor knew that the chief motive of his 
stay in the village was to protect and save her. 

Youth and a vigorous constitution conquered the fever 
that had resulted from undue exposure and excessive mental 
excitement. When the sick girl’s languid eyes unclosed, 
beaming with the light of intelligence, she noted at once the 
comfortable additions to her room, as well as the quiet 
figure of the nurse by the bedside, a neighbor whose face 
was familiar. A grateful smile hovered over the parched 
lips. 

So the world is not so hard and cruel as I thought,” 
she murmured, content to be willing to live since even one 
was kind. Believing her mind still wandering, the nurse 
soothingly presented the cooling draught. It was received 
meekly, with thanks feebly spoken but warm and earnest. 
From that time she gained slowly and surely, and something 
like serenity shone in her face, for she still believed it was 
her neighbor’s kindly heart that provided with such unac- 
customed liberality for all her wants. Little suspicion had 
she of the magical effect of Athenian gold, since the stranger 
had never ventured near her since her convalescene. 

As soon as she was able to go out to the beach daily, the 
nurse left her, and things relapsed into the old routine, save 
that the comfortable furniture was still left to her' and a 
generous supply of stores was yet on hand. Atossa left tears 
of heartfelt gratitude, with her eager kisses, on the coarse 
hand of the matron when she said good-bye, adding touch- 
ingly : 

^ ‘ All good things follow you forevermore, kind heart, 
that hast dealt so tenderly and nobly with a friendless, 
motherless girl; so that, for a moment, the woman’s con- 
science gave a twinge of reproach for allowing the innocent 
child to believe the services so richly repaid by the stranger’s 
gold, were the result of her own spontaneous charity. 

Once more with her rake and basket in the familiar scene, 
Atossa looked around her from the upheaving, earnest sea, 
the gray old rocks, and bleak, enduring hills, to the sunny 
blue above, and while the shadow and pallor still lingered 
on her face, came a cheerful, shining light to her eye, and 
a gentle, trusting smile to her lips. ; Nature suddenly 
seemed to have opened its great heart to her. The foaming 


ATOSSA^S DREAM, 


123 


lines of the sea were like so many white arms outstretched 
to clasp her safe from loneliness and harm. She had known 
the blessed, reviving dew of human kindness, and hpw the 
gentle-hearted girl was ready to accept meekly the life that 
had been restored to her, to bear faithfully and patiently 
the wounded affections, the disappointed hopes, the toil- 
some duties. 

Even more than this had the experience of illness taught 
her. For when, one day, as she bore homeward her laden 
basket, she met a group of villagers carrying triumphantly 
in a flower-wreathed chair the joyous Katinka, blushing 
and smiling in fluttering consciousness of the becoming 
bridal veil and pretty wreath of snowy blossoms, Atossa 
could say in answer to the frivolous beauty’s mocking salu- 
tation : 

Peace be with you, Katinka. May your forehead never 
know more aching weight than that wreath of orange buds, 
nor your heart a deeper grief than the sight of poor, harm- 
less Atossa.” 

How now, Atossa,” cried out Katinka, has the dream 
visited you of late? Art thou sure it was not meant all the 
time for me ? ” 

Perchance it might have been. Of a surety the reality 
seems nearer to thee than any other,” replied Atossa, 
sorrowfully, averting her eyes from the glittering chain and 
cross. ‘'Where do they carry Katinka?” she asked pre- 
sently of one lagging behind the merry company. 

“ Hast thou not heard ? Clisthenes, the noble Athenian, 
has arrived, and summoned all the village to the public 
square. Saw ye not the workman arranging the seats 
beneath the trees? Don thy holiday garb and see it all, for 
it will be a goodly sight.” 

Poor Atossa choked down the rising sob and hurried 
homeward, wondering where she should look to find the 
holiday dress of a poor sea- weed gatherer. 

Meanwhile in the open square of the village, beneath the 
shade of the carefully cultivated trees, a great multitude of 
people had gathered. From far and near came the peasant 
folks to witness the unusual ceremony which gave an humble 
peasant girl of Lemnos to be the bride of a noble Athenian 


124 ATOSSA^S DREAM. 

gentleman, by the express command and authority of the 
famous council of Athens. 

Attended by a guard of his soldiers, and a group of 
richly attired friends, the distinguished bridegroom occu- 
pied the centre of the green, while opposite him had been 
placed the gayly decorated bower of Katinka, and all 
around in the seats had been ranged first the maidens, then 
the young men, and behind them, on elevated benches, the 
matrons and elders of the island. 

A breathless hush succeeded the busy whisperings and 
animated chatting, when the village magistrate arose and 
advanced toward the Athenians, while the Archon arose 
and in his authoritative voice said aloud : 

Ye have all heard the will of the Athenian council, that 
would bestov/ upon our brave and beloved warrior, Clisthe- 
nes, a bride of Lemnos, to whom we grant a marriage por- 
tion of certain valuable lands in Potama-s. Our herald pro- 
- claimed that all the maidens of the place should be present, 
from which he was to choose his bride. Behold, he tells us 
there is one still absent from the seats. 

At these words arose a murmur of surprise, and every 
eye was busy scanning row after row of eager faces, to see 
whose absence was thus publicly remarked, yet all were 
puzzled and at fault. Katinka, with fluttering heart and 
triumphant vanity, had been gazing from behind a screen- 
ing veil at the manly countenance of the bridegroom. She 
put back the veil now, and leaning forward, exposed more 
conspicuously the golden chain with its ebon cross, think- 
ing : ‘^Perhaps he did not recognize me behind the veil.’’ 

Clisthenes observed the movement and smiled. Yet pro- 
found silence reigned until the herald approached^ leading 
by the hand the shrinking, trembling Atos§a. She was 
placed upon a seat beyond Katinka, and then arose Clisthe- 
nes, his fine face earnest and enthusiastic, and his dark eye 
kindling with generous zeal. 

Ye all know, O, people of Lemnos, how the wisdom of 
Athens ever rewards true valor and virtuous merit. A 
patriotic deed or a life of patient endurance are never 
allowed to pass unrecognized. Behold the generous pay- 
ment for the poor services af Clisthenes, in bestowing so 
fair a bride with so princely a marriage portion.” 


ATOSSA^S DREAM, 


12 $ 


He paused and gazed slowly around him. The mother 
of Katinka was waving a peacock fan ostentatiously before 
the little beauty’s blushing face. Atossa, with downcast 
eyes and hands crossed against her heart, to keep down its 
throbbings, stood white and statue-like where she had un- 
consciously started up, at the sound of his deep -toned 
voice. His eye turned hastily from the first, and lingered 
fondly upon the drooping head of the poor sea-weed 
gatherer. Then musically full and loud swelled his ring- 
ing voice, as he continued : 

^ ‘ Have patience, gentle friends, which I relate a little 
story, such as the Greek peasant is ever ready to hear. Not 
many months ago an Athenian was riding slowly through 
Lemnos toward the sea, to embark for his native city. His 
pathway led him through a vineyard thicket, and there be- 
fore him he beheld two flowers. One, upon a tall, slender 
stalk, waved its beautiful lily cup, challenging the admiration 
of every passer-by . Perchance the traveler had never noticed 
aught but the lily’s fairness and grace, had he not inhaled 
an exquisite perfume that filled him with delight, and 
searching for its source he discovered a wee, modest flower 
beneath, which the long leaves of the flaunting lily had 
swept and torn and nearly crushed, and from its bruised 
petals arose the delightful aroma. Closer examination 
showed him it was a dainty, perfect blossom, that at once 
removed from the chilling, uncongenial shade of the sway- 
ing lily, and raised up from the moss and chaff of the 
ground, might prove to be a gem of inestimable value, - 
such in fact as he had been searching for, and had prom- 
ised to bring home with him, to his pleasant gardens. 
What think you, my friends, if the traveler were a wise 
man, would he bear away with him the haughty lily, cr 
the sweet, unknown blossom that amidst neglect and in- 
jury could bloom so meekly ? Listen, then, O dwellers 
in Lemnos ! Here have I chosen my bride. Who said 
Katinka ? Not Clisthenes. He bade her be ready for his 
coming. He sent her a cross to. wear in token that her 
conduct should be known in Athens. But his bride — lo ! 
she stands there ! It is Atossa, the granddaughter of Aris- 
togiton, who is bride for Clisthenes ! It is Atossa whom 
Athens summons to be rewarded for Aristogiton’s generous 


126 


ATOSSA^S DREAM, 


sacrifice which delivered our beloved city from the tyrant. 
As for Katinka, let her keep the chain to remind her of 
her own character, whose golden youth and beauty has 
been likewise disfigured by a cross of ebon blackness — 
her vanity and frivolity and unkindness to a suffering sis- 
ter. In future when she remembers Atossa, whom she has 
persecuted and reviled, let her be meek and humble, and 
atone for her fault by gentle words and kindly deeds to all 
the unfortunate she meets in her pathway. For you thought- 
less, people, who would have suffered the gentle maiden who 
henceforward will be your pride and glory, to pine and die 
for want of friendly aid and kindly sympathy, know ye not 
the statue of Charity, holding forth her scroll, lettered with 
benevolent precepts, stands on the pier of Lemnos, which 
looks over toward Athens ? How then have ye neglected 
the lessons it was set there to teach ? ” 

He ceased and glanced around to behold the effect of 
his words. What looks of astonishment, shame and dis- 
may spread from face to face ! How discomforted was the 
pompous complacency of the magistrate ! How crest-fallen 
the proud delight of the mother of Katinka, and how ut- 
terly humiliated and distressed was Katinka herself, glad 
now to screen her tearful face behind both veil and fan, 
while her trembling fingers hastily unclasped the chain and 
cross, and flung them away from sight. 

But Atossa. With a smile of unutterable tenderness and 
fond assurance, .Clisthenes had turned toward her. The 
dark, gazelle-like eyes were dilated, the sweet, crimsom lips 
parted, the tender hands outstretched wildly, as if the 
clouds had suddenly parted, and let down such a stream of 
sunshine, she could not realize aught that had happened, 
only stand bewildered and entranced with the glory and 
joy that had approached so near to her. No word or sound 
escaped her until the Athenian bridegroom approached her, 
and gathered lovingly in his her chilly hands, whispering : 

Thou art mine, my bride, Atossa.” 

Then slowly she raised her head, the crimson waves of 
color, came drifting over her pallid cheek, the resplendent 
light of perfect joy brightened her whole face into wondrous 
beauty, and with a murmuring cry ; My dream, my 


A TOSS A' S DREAM, 1 27 

dream, it is all fulfilled ! ” she sank, sobbing, into the arms 
outstretched to her. 

Katinka was not among the crowd that waited around 
the glittering procession to catch a glimpse of the richly 
robed bride of the Athenian, as she entered the grand 
chariot prepared for her, nor did she listen patiently to 
their excited accounts of the wonderful change produced 
by fine apparel, though the time soon arrived, when, she 
also could marvel with them, when rumors came of the 
fame and beauty and happiness of the honored grandchild 
of the great Aristogiton, and asked dreamily : 

‘‘Is it possible it has proved true, the strange vision of 
her who was once only our poor, despised Atossa, the Sea- 
Weed Gatherer ? 


[the end.] 



THE ELITE SERIES. 


1. Lorna Doone. By E. B. 

Blackraore. 

2. East Lynne. By Mrs, 

Henry Wood. 

8. The Woman in White. By 
Wilkie Collins. 

4. Eomolfi. By George Eliot. 

5. The Man in the Iron Mask. 

By Alexander Dumas. 

6. A False Start. By Hawley 

Smart. 

7. Donovan. By Edna Lyall. 

8. Dawn. By H. Rider Hag- 

gard. 

9. Louise de la Vallerie. By 

Alexander Dumas. 

10. Under Two Flags. By 

Ouida. 

11. Wooed and Married. By 

Rosa Nouchette Carey. 

12. The Master of the Cere- 

monies. By George Man- 
ville Fenn. 

13. The Struggle for Life. By 

Albert Del pit. 

14. The Last Days of Pompeii. 

By Sir E. Bulwer-Lyt- 
ton. 

15. Lover or Friend ? By Rosa 

Nouchette Carey. 

16. The Deerslayer. By J. 

Fenimore Cooper. 

17. The Vicomte de Brage- 

lonne. By A 1 e x a n d er 
Dumas. 

18. Uncle Max. By Rosa 

Nouchette Carey. 

19. We Two, By Edna 

Lyall. 


20. The Nun’s Curse. By Mrs. 

J. H. Riddell. 

21. Not Like Other Girls. By 

Rosa Nouchette Carey. 

23. Jane Eyre. By Charlotte 
Bronte. 

23. Heriot’s Choice. By Rosa 

Nouchette Carey. 

24. Dick’s Wandering. By 

Julian Sturgis. 

25. John Halifax, Gentleman. 

By Miss Mulock. 

26. Double Cunning. B y 

George Manville Fenn. 

27. Rory O’ More. By Samuel 

Lover. 

28. The Frozen Pirate, By 

W. Clark Russell. 

29. The Mysteries of Paris. 

By Eugene Sue. 

30. Only the Governess. By 

Rosa Nouchette Carey. 

31. Twenty Years After. By 

Alexander Dumas. 

32. The Pioneers. By J. Fen- 

iraore Cooper. 

33. Handy Andy. By Samuel 

Lover. 

84. A Woman’s Face. By 

Florence Warden. 

85. In the - Golden Days. By 

Edna Lyall. 

36. The Pathfinder. By J. 

Fenimore Cooper. 

37. Deldee, the Ward of War- 

ringham. By Florence 
Warden. 

38. Robinson Crusoe. By 

Daniel Defoe. 


Any of the above books will be sent by mail, post paid, upon 
receipt of price, TWENTY-FIVE CENTS each. Address 

THE F. M. LUPTON PUBLISHING COMPANY, 

No. 65 Duane Street, New York, 


Comprising the best standard works of fiction. Each work in 
this series is printed from large type on good paper, and uniformly 
bound in attractive paper covers. 


NO. 


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